HIV RAPID SCREENING TEST

HIV Rapid screening test

This is a simple test which is done to detect HIV infection in blood.This test is also known as Rapid HIV antibody test.

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus that causes damage to cells called as CD4 cells that help person to fight infection .Thus this virus reduces immunity of the person. This makes the person prone to multiple infections and diseases. If medications for HIV infection called as antiretroviral therapy (ART) is not initiated it may progress to late stage called as AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).At present there is no cure for HIV infection, so if a person has this infection he has that lifelong.

This test detects antibody against HIV in blood. When a person gets infected with HIV, he will develop antibodies against the virus within 2 months.

Why is the HIV rapid screening test prescribed?

This test is advised by your health care provider in certain conditions;

• To detect HIV infection if there are signs and symptoms like sudden weight loss, fever, chronic diarrhea, lymph nodes swelling, pneumonia etc
• To detect HIV infection if there is high risk of acquiring this infection like;
  • People who have unprotected sex with multiple partners
  • people who are drug abusers and share needle with others
  • people who have sexually transmitted infections, Tuberculosis, hepatitis
  • people who have unprotected sex with anyone who has above risk factors
• To detect HIV infection in pregnancy
• CDC recommends that everybody between (13 to 64 years) should get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care.

What are components of this test?

This test detects antibodies against HIV in the blood. A positive result means that HIV antibodies are present and HIV infection is there. However if results are negative that shows no antibodies are there and you may not be infected .But there also a possibility that there is HIV infection but as antibodies are formed after 2 months they are not detected in blood.

Procedure and prerequisites

The sample for HIV rapid screening test is taken from blood by inserting a small needle into vein of your arm. A small amount of blood is then collected in test tube or vial. You may feel a little pain due to needle prick. You usually don’t need any preparation for the test

Reference range

This test is either positive or negative