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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....

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How to Use HIV Saliva Rapid Test at Home?

Are you still wondering how to use the HIV1/2 saliva rapid test at home? Look no further! This simple and convenient test can be done in the comfort of your own home. HIV1/2 saliva test 3kits $24 HIV1/2 blood test 3kits $22 Before starting the test, make sure that you have read and understood all instructions provided with the kit and do not eat or drink for at least 15 minutes before you perform the test. Step 1 Collect Remove the cap after taking out the dilution, and place it horizontally on the table. Tear the pouch to take out the saliva collector. Gently swab the cotton pad along your upper gums for 5 to 6 times and then use...

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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...

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Ways HIV Can Be Transmitted

How is HIV passed from one person to another?Most people get HIV through anal or vaginal sex, or sharing needles, syringes, or other drug injection equipment (for example, cookers). But there are powerful tools to help prevent HIV transmission.Learn about your HIV risk and how to lower it.Can I get HIV from anal sex?You can get HIV if you have anal sex with someone who has HIV without using protection (like condoms or medicine to treat or prevent HIV).Anal sex is the riskiest type of sex for getting or transmitting HIV.Being the receptive partner (bottom) is riskier than being the insertive partner (top).The bottom’s risk is higher because the rectum’s lining is thin and may allow HIV to enter the...

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Should I get tested for HIV?

CDC recommends everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once.People at higher risk should get tested more often. If you were HIV-negative the last time you were tested, the test was more than one year ago, and you can answer yes to any of the following questions, then you should get an HIV test as soon as possible: Are you a man who has had sex with another man?Have you had sex—anal or vaginal—with a partner who has HIV?Have you had more than one sex partner since your last HIV test?Have you injected drugs and shared needles, syringes, or other drug injection equipment (for example, cookers) with others?Have you exchanged sex for drugs...

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