How does an HIV test work?
Most HIV tests check for antibodies that the body produces once infected with HIV. Antibodies are proteins that the immune system produces to fight off all different kinds of infections, including HIV. If an HIV test detects HIV antibodies, a person is infected with HIV. If antibodies are not present, a person is likely not HIV infected. But, it can take as long as three to six months for the body to develop enough antibodies to be measurable on a test. The time period between HIV exposure and a positive test is called the “window period,” during which you could test negative for HIV but still be infected with HIV and able to transmit the virus to others. Therefore, it is important to get tested (or re-tested) after a sufficient period of time has passed to know for sure. What kinds of tests are available? There are several different types of HIV tests, but the two most common types are blood tests and oral swab tests. HIV blood tests use a sample of blood, either from a finger prick o
Most HIV tests check for antibodies that the body produces once infected with HIV. Antibodies are proteins that the immune system produces to fight off all different kinds of infections, including HIV. If an HIV test detects HIV antibodies, a person is infected with HIV. If antibodies are not present, a person is likely not HIV infected. But, it can take as long as three to six months for the body to develop enough antibodies to be measurable on a test. The time period between HIV exposure and a positive test is called the “window period,” during which you could test negative for HIV but still be infected with HIV and able to transmit the virus to others. Therefore, it is important to get tested (or re-tested) after a sufficient period of time has passed to know for sure.
An HIV test is very simple. When you go in for the test, you don’t give anyone your name. A small amount of blood is taken, and you are given a number. The blood sample goes to a laboratory. There, the blood is checked. You can’t see the actual HIV virus, so laboratory technicians look for HIV antibodies. Your body starts to make antibodies to fight HIV within about 12 weeks. That’s why you need to wait at least three months after you think you may be infected and then you can get tested for HIV. If you have a test before that, your body may test negative (that means no HIV antibodies were found), but your body simply hasn’t produced the antibodies yet. Then you go back to the test site about a week or two later, give them your number, and they will tell you the results. If your results are negative, you leave (promising yourself you will always be careful!) If your results are positive, the testing center will give you advice about what to do next.
The best and most reliable test is an HIV antibody test known as an ELISA or “EIA”, which is shorthand for Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, and is generally referred to as an antibody test. This test looks for antibodies created by your immune system in response to the virus. An ELISA test can be performed via the following methods: Blood draw This test can be done through a physician or STI clinic with the result returning in 2 days to 2 weeks, depending on location and specific times given by the agency. Oral swab This test is done by manually swabbing the cheek/gums and collecting a sample of saliva and cells. This test can be done through a physician or STI clinic with the result returning in 2 days to 2 weeks, depending on location and times given by the agency. Oraquick Rapid Test This test is done either by manually swabbing the gums or by a quick blood draw via a needle-prick. Results are available within 20 minutes.
An HIV test looks for the presence of HIV antibodies in the blood. These may only be detected several weeks after initial infection, hence the ‘window period’, during which a person may be infected with HIV but still test negative for the virus. These centres also provide important psychological and counselling services before and after the test. Take advantage of the services available around Botswana where you can get tested and supplied with the results the same day.
