How HIV Is Diagnosed

The only way to diagnose the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is with an HIV test. There are a variety of such tests, some that use samples of blood, others that use saliva or urine. Testing typically takes place at a point-of-care location (a doctor's office, hospital, clinic, or even drugstore, for example). There also are tests that can be done at home (similar to home pregnancy tests). Some HIV tests look for the presence of the virus itself and others rely on the presence of antibodies to the virus created by the immune system.

In most cases, how or where a person is tested for HIV matters less than that they are tested—period. For someone who has been infected with HIV, early diagnosis is vital. It can make the difference between living a long and otherwise healthy life thanks to highly effective antiretroviral medications for HIV and succumbing to the serious illness.

The initial symptoms of HIV so resemble those of more innocuous viral infections that, unless they know they've been exposed to the virus (by engaging in risky behavior, for instance), most people aren't likely to suspect HIV infection.

Once the early symptoms resolve, the virus goes into a long remission during which it silently destroys cells in the immune system. It's not until this process has gone on long enough (typically eight to 10 years) that signs of compromised immunity begin to occur. This is the late stage of infection known as acquired immunodeficiency disease (AIDS).

At this point, treatment isn't likely to be effective, which is why public health organizations such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have specific guidelines for HIV testing based on factors such as age, sex, and lifestyle.

In addition, because the human immunodeficiency virus can be passed along to an unborn child, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that doctors "screen for HIV infection in all pregnant persons, including those who present in labor or at delivery whose HIV status is unknown."

Most of the available HIV tests are relatively accurate, although point-of-care tests tend to be more reliable than home tests, since these usually use a sample of blood and are conducted by trained clinicians, decreasing the likelihood of error.

There also are direct and indirect methods of detecting HIV:

• Direct testing detects either antigens (proteins on the surface of the virus) or RNA (the virus’s genetic material)
• Indirect testing screens for antibodies—proteins produced by the immune system in response to the virus

With the exception of the NAT, a positive result from an HIV test is regarded as a preliminary positive, which means a second test will be needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Being tested for HIV is nothing less than stressful, but it is absolutely necessary. If your results are negative, you can move forward with a better understanding of how to stay that way. If you are positive, you can begin HIV therapy that will allow you to live a long, healthy, and productive life.