AIDS Diagnosis
How will your doctor diagnose you with this condition? Learn about the tests, exams, processes, and other information relating to the diagnosis of AIDS below.
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How to Diagnose AIDS
The doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and risk factors, and do a physical exam. If you have risk factors for HIV and AIDS or the doctor suspects you may be infected, he can order a blood test to confirm the diagnosis.
HIV tests include:
- ELISA test -This test is used to detect HIV infection. If an ELISA test is positive, the Western blot test is usually performed to confirm the diagnosis. The ELISA test may be negative if you were recently infected with HIV. Many people with HIV (95%) will have a positive test within three months of the time they became infected. Most people with HIV (99%) will have a positive test within six months. If an ELISA test is negative, but you think you may have HIV, get tested again in 1-3 months.
- Western Blot -This test is very specific at identifying HIV. It is used to confirm a positive ELISA test result.
- OraQuick Rapid HIV-1 antibody test-This is a preliminary test using saliva. This test should be confirmed by an ELISA test.
- CD4+T cell count-This is a blood test used to evaluate the status of your immune system.
- Viral load test-This is a test to measure the amount of HIV in your blood.
- Other blood tests-If you are infected with HIV, additional blood tests may be ordered to check for other blood-borne infections.
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Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor
implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A
MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment
or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright ©2013 EBSCO Publishing All rights
reserved. Source: EBSCO
