HIV Antibody Test

HIV Antibody Test-Why am I having this test?

The HIV antibody test is used to screen for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 have this test at least once. Your health care provider may recommend this test if:

  • You are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant.
  • You have had sex with someone who is or might be HIV-positive.
  • You have had unprotected sex with more than one partner.
  • You are a health worker and were exposed to HIV-infected blood.
  • You have ever injected illegal drugs.
  • You have ever exchanged sex for money or drugs.
  • You have been diagnosed with hepatitis, tuberculosis, or a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
  • You are a man who has sex with other men (MSM).
  • You are exhibiting symptoms of AIDS.
  • You had a blood transfusion before 1985.

It is possible to have HIV without any symptoms. There is no cure for HIV, but starting treatment early helps you stay healthy longer. If you know you have HIV (are HIV-positive), you can also make changes to prevent transferring the virus to other people.

What is being tested?

This test detects the proteins (antibodies) that your body’s defense system (immune system) makes to fight the infection. Having antibodies for HIV does not mean that you have AIDS or will get AIDS. HIV tests can be performed in a clinic, lab, or hospital setting. There are also home testing kits.

What kind of sample is taken?

The HIV antibody test requires either a blood sample or a sample of the fluid from inside your mouth (oral fluid).

  • For the blood test, a blood sample is drawn from a vein in your hand or arm or by sticking a finger with a small needle.
  • For the test using oral fluid, your upper and lower gums are swabbed.

If you decide to do a home HIV test, follow the package instructions carefully. There are two types of home testing kits:

  • Blood test. You will send your test kit that includes a small sample of your blood to the manufacturer for processing. You will receive your results from the manufacturer.
  • Oral fluid test. This test is completed at home and usually gives you results in 20–40 minutes.
    • Up to 1 in 12 infected people may have a false-negative result with the saliva test. This means that you could have a negative result even if you are infected.

How are the results reported?

  • Your test results will be reported as either positive or negative for antibodies of HIV.
    • Sometimes, the test results may report that a condition is present when it is not present (false-positive result).
    • Sometimes, the test results may report that a condition is not present when it is present (false-negative result).
  • Your health care provider will talk to you about doing more tests to confirm your results.

What do the results mean?

  • If your HIV antibody test is negative, it means that there were no antibodies in your blood at the time of the test. It is important to know that it can take 1–3 months to develop antibodies after infection. If you may have been infected within the previous 3 months, your health care provider may recommend that you repeat the test after that time period.
  • If your HIV antibody test is positive, it means that the test detected antibodies of HIV in your sample. You will need to have another type of test to confirm the results of the initial test. A positive result to the HIV antibody test does not necessarily mean that you will develop AIDS.

Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.

Questions to ask your health care provider

Ask your health care provider, or the department that is doing the test:

  • When will my results be ready?
  • How will I get my results?
  • What are my treatment options?
  • What other tests do I need?
  • What are my next steps?

Summary

  • The HIV antibody test is used to screen for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS.
  • It is possible to have HIV without any symptoms. There is no cure for HIV, but starting treatment early helps you stay healthy longer. If you know you have HIV (are HIV-positive), you can also make changes to prevent transferring the virus to other people.
  • If your HIV antibody test is negative, it means that there were no antibodies in your blood at the time of the test. It is important to know that it can take 1–3 months to develop antibodies after infection. If you may have been infected within the previous 3 months, your health care provider may recommend that you repeat the test after that time period.
  • If your HIV antibody test is positive, it means that the test detected antibodies of HIV in your sample. You will need to have another type of test to confirm the results of the initial test. A positive result to the HIV antibody test does not necessarily mean that you will develop AIDS.
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