Get confidential information on HIV/AIDS, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, HPV, Genital HPV, Genital HPV infection, Genital Herpes, Bacterial Vaginosis, PID, Trichomoniasis, and other STDs. Being tested is the ONLY way to know for sure if you are infected with HIV. (Also see: State of Florida)
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September 18th is National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day (NHAAAD)
How Do HIV Tests Work?
Most HIV tests currently performed in the United States are antibody tests. This testing procedure isolates the antibody to HIV and not the virus itself. Specimens of human serum (blood), plasma, dried blood spots, and mucosal transudate from the mouth can be used to test for HIV antibodies.
A finger-stick collection test kit has been developed for home use and is intended for use by persons who wish to anonymously determine their HIV status at home. The manufacturing company uses an authorized laboratory to test the blood specimen for the presence of HIV antibodies. Individuals are required to phone a designated number and input their unique identification number to receive their results.
The oral collection device draws antibodies out of the cheek and gum in oral mucosal transudate. This device is not intended to collect saliva for testing. It is highly accurate, provided sufficient time has passed for antibodies to form and the test is performed correctly.
A rapid test for detecting antibodies to HIV is a screening test that produces very quick results, usually in a matter of minutes. It can detect HIV antibodies through a small droplet of blood from a finger stick, or through venipuncture whole blood, plasma, or oral fluid samples. Results are provided in less than an hour.
Symptoms
A wide range of symptoms is associated with AIDS. Many symptoms are not necessarily due to the breakdown of the immune system, but are the result of opportunistic diseases and infections and their manifestations. Two common manifestations are Pneumocystis Pneumonia (PCP) — a lung disease in which victims experience shortness of breath, a non-productive (dry) cough, anemia, and fever — and Kaposi’s Sarcoma (KS), a type of cancer that manifests itself as grayish-purple skin lesions, lesions on several internal organs, night sweats, and weight loss. Other symptoms associated with the various opportunistic diseases and conditions are chronic headaches, chronic and persistent diarrhea and vomiting, blindness, memory loss, rashes, sores, assorted aches and pains, neurological dysfunctions and other manifestations.