HIV and AIDS Testing: What You Need to Know

HIV and AIDS Counseling

Hello Dr.
Hong, I apologize for the interruption.
From the medical information I found online, I understand that AIDS refers to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, while HIV refers to Human Immunodeficiency Virus.
If a person is not infected with HIV, they will not develop AIDS.
However, the current medical screenings for AIDS primarily focus on testing for HIV, such as the HIV Ag+Ab Combo and Anti-HIV tests.
Today, I would like to ask Dr.
Hong if there are any tests specifically for AIDS itself? Is there a need for the general public to undergo such tests? Or is it sufficient to conduct the aforementioned HIV-related tests to determine if a person is infected with HIV? I appreciate your time and assistance in answering these questions.
Thank you very much.

JJ, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/05/30

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine

Hello, HIV infection may have a period of latency before it manifests as an illness.
During this latency period, patients typically do not exhibit symptoms.
AIDS, simply put, is the condition that occurs when a person is infected with the HIV virus and develops symptoms.
Therefore, the diagnosis of AIDS is made when an HIV-positive test result is accompanied by related symptoms.
Essentially, if there is any suspicion, it is important to get tested for HIV.
Thank you for your question.

Reply Date: 2020/05/30

More Info

Understanding HIV and AIDS Testing: What You Need to Know
Hello, thank you for your inquiry regarding HIV and AIDS testing. It’s important to clarify the relationship between HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). HIV is the virus that causes AIDS, and without an HIV infection, a person cannot develop AIDS. Therefore, the primary focus of testing is indeed on HIV itself.

Currently, there are no specific tests for AIDS as a standalone condition. Instead, the diagnosis of AIDS is made based on the presence of HIV infection along with certain clinical criteria, which may include specific opportunistic infections or a CD4 cell count below a certain threshold (typically 200 cells/mm³). This means that if you test positive for HIV, your healthcare provider will monitor your health and may conduct additional tests to determine if you have progressed to AIDS.

The most common tests for HIV include:
1. HIV Antigen/Antibody Tests (Combo Tests): These tests can detect both HIV antibodies and the p24 antigen, which is a protein produced by the virus. They are effective at identifying HIV infection typically within 2 to 6 weeks after exposure.

2. Antibody Tests: These tests check for antibodies to HIV in the blood or oral fluid. They may take longer to detect an infection, usually becoming positive 3 to 12 weeks after exposure.

3. Nucleic Acid Tests (NAT): These tests look for the virus itself in the blood and can detect HIV sooner than antibody tests, usually within 10 to 33 days after exposure. However, they are more expensive and not routinely used for screening.

For the general population, routine HIV testing is recommended, especially for individuals at higher risk of infection, such as those with multiple sexual partners, those who engage in unprotected sex, or those who share needles. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone aged 13 to 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine healthcare.

If you have concerns about your risk of HIV infection, it is advisable to get tested. If you test negative but have had potential exposure, follow-up testing may be necessary, as there is a window period during which the virus may not be detectable.

In summary, while there are no specific tests for AIDS itself, the tests for HIV are comprehensive and can provide a clear picture of your HIV status. If you test positive for HIV, your healthcare provider will guide you through the necessary steps for monitoring and treatment, which can prevent the progression to AIDS. Regular testing and awareness are key components in managing and preventing HIV infection. If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out. Thank you for your attention to this important health issue.

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