News — hiv blood test RSS



Tests for HIV: ELISA, Western Blot, and Others

HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system. If HIV infection isn’t treated, a person can develop AIDS, which is a prolonged and often fatal condition. HIV is spread through vaginal, oral, or anal sexual contact. It’s also spread through blood, blood factor products, injection drug use, and breast milk. To test for HIV, a series of blood screenings may be done, including one called the ELISA test. Read on to learn how these tests are done, what to expect during the tests, and what the results can mean. What are the ELISA test and the HIV differentiation assay? The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), also known as an enzyme immunoassay (EIA), detects HIV antibodies and antigens in the blood....

Continue reading



What’s a condom and how does it work?

What is a condom?Condoms are thin, stretchy pouches that you wear on your penis during sex. Condoms provide great protection from both pregnancy and STDs. They’re easy to use and easy to get.What’s a condom and how does it work?Condoms are small, thin pouches that cover your penis during sex and collect semen (cum). Condoms prevent pregnancy by stopping sperm from getting into the vagina, so sperm can’t meet up with an egg. Some types of condoms also help prevent STDs. Click to find STDs TestThere are 3 types of condoms: latex condoms, plastic (non latex) condoms, and lambskin (animal skin) condoms.Latex condomsLatex condoms are made from rubber. Latex condoms are the most common type of condom.Latex condoms help protect...

Continue reading



Empowering Sexual Health: HIV and STD Prevention

Sexual health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, and taking proactive steps to prevent HIV and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is essential. First,what is HIV and STDs?These diseases can have a devastating impact on individuals, families, and communities. It is important to educate ourselves about the causes, symptoms, prevention methods, and treatment options for these infections. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) attacks the immune system of an individual and weakens it over time. This virus spreads through unprotected sexual contact with an infected person or by sharing needles with someone who has HIV. The symptoms of HIV may not appear immediately after infection but can include fever, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, rash, headache or muscle aches. STDs (Sexually...

Continue reading



What is HIV Self Test?

What is an HIV self-test?An HIV self-test (or rapid self-test) is an antibody test that can be used at home or in a private location. With an HIV self-test, you can get your test results within 20 minutes. How do I find an HIV self-test?You can buy an HIV self-test at a pharmacy or online. Your local health department or another organization near you may offer free or reduced cost self-tests, which you can find using the locator below. The only FDA-approved HIV self-test currently available in the United States is an oral fluid test.How do I use an HIV self-test?Read the instructions included in the test kit before you start.icon of someone taking an HIV self-test. For an HIV...

Continue reading



Understanding of HIV Test Results

How long do results take? Rapid HIV tests can give results in 15 to 60 minutes, or on the same day. ‘Rapid’ refers to the time taken for the results and not to the time between exposure and the test. If samples are being sent to another lab, results can take from a few days or a few weeks. Rapid blood tests put a pin-prick of blood on a testing strip. This test takes about 15 to 20 minutes so you can get the results whilst you wait. Some rapid tests also work on oral samples rather than blood. Although they are sometimes called saliva tests this is not accurate. Oral samples collect cells from the surface of the gums...

Continue reading