Blood test for HIV - when is it donated, on an empty stomach or not? Fasting blood test for HIV: basic requirements when donating Blood for HIV not on an empty stomach.

How do you get tested for HIV? Before conducting such a study, it is worth learning a little about the disease itself.

Description of this disease

HIV infection is a disease of the human immune system. If infected, the disease may not manifest itself for years. Over time, starting to slowly progress, it significantly reduces immunity, which can lead to serious consequences.

Its absence opens the way to all diseases, even those to which a healthy person human body completely stable. HIV has several stages, the final stage is called AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). If this infection is diagnosed, it dies not from the virus itself, but from any disease that the body cannot cope with in the absence of immunity.

How can you become infected with HIV? Virus transmission options

Every person needs to know about the ways in which HIV is transmitted in order to relieve anxiety about themselves and loved ones and no longer worry about the possibility of infection.

There are different ways of infection. Let's look at them:

injections - these can be both medications and drugs; the risk of infection increases sharply when using unsterile needles and other similar medical instruments;
accidental injection with a used syringe or contact of an open wound with someone else’s blood;
tattoos and piercings should not be done by a specialist who does not comply with sanitary and hygienic standards in the premises;
same-sex sex: the risk of infection is especially high among male couples;
providing or using commercial sex services;
unprotected sex, especially with a new partner (or several);
blood transfusion, organ transplantation;
various types of surgical interventions, as well as injuries.

In any of these cases, you should definitely get tested for HIV. In case of rape, the perpetrator and the victim are forcibly required to undergo this study.

Where can you get tested for HIV and why?

A person may not be aware of infection with this disease. long time, while continuing to lead a normal lifestyle, look good and feel completely healthy. From the moment of infection to the onset of symptoms, it takes from 2 to 15 years, and all this time the patient does not even suspect that he can infect others. Therefore, every person needs to know how to take an HIV test. For this study you need to go to any hospital.

If you want to take HIV tests anonymously, free of charge and without indicating an address, you should go to the nearest AIDS center. Results are usually obtained within 2-10 days. In addition, an HIV test is prescribed during planned hospitalization, before surgery, during pregnancy, or in case of sudden weight loss.

Remember, if you take an HIV test and detect the disease in time, then you can get a chance to save a person and protect his loved ones from infection!

How do you get tested for HIV? Two test options

You do not need any special preparation to take an HIV test. It is advisable to do it on an empty stomach or not eat or drink anything except water 6-8 hours before the upcoming event. How do you get tested for HIV? Today there are two types of tests:

ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) - determines the presence of antibodies that are produced immune system to protect and fight infection. The ELISA result is 99% reliable. It is affordable for all categories of the population and involves donating blood from a vein.
PCR (polymer chain reaction) is another test for HIV. The analysis determines the presence of viral proteins. Its reliability is 95%, and a diagnosis cannot be made based on the indicators. For this analysis, just as in the first case, you need to donate blood from a vein on an empty stomach.

Myths about how the disease is transmitted

How is the infection not transmitted?

through tears, saliva, sweat;
with hugs, handshakes;
when kissing;
when coughing or sneezing;
in the gym, swimming pool, public places;
through shared utensils;
when using the toilet and shower;
through insect bites, animal scratches.

HIV is very unstable, that is, it is viable only in the human body, but will quickly die if released into the environment.

Treatment of people infected with HIV. What is it like now?

Unfortunately, a vaccine has not yet been found that helps completely remove the infection from the body. Nevertheless, scientists have invented drugs that block the reproduction of the virus and suppress its activity.

Treatment with several drugs at the same time significantly reduces the level of HIV in the blood. This allows the presence of immune cells to increase.

A little conclusion

Now you know why you should take it correctly. We also briefly reviewed the disease itself and possible routes of its transmission. Knowledge and correct diagnosis will prevent complications and dangerous consequences infection. Take an HIV test - save the lives of yourself and your loved ones!

Girls, should you donate blood for AIDS and HIV on an empty stomach? and got the best answer

Answer from Not Lonely Wolf[guru]
I definitely remember the HIV test on an empty stomach, because I took the test at 30 weeks ago and couldn’t restrain myself from having breakfast... So then they called me to retake it, I almost turned gray with fear...))))))

Answer from Lyuska[guru]
No.

Answer from *~* LunaYA MelOOOOODYA *~*[guru]
Blood is donated in the morning on an empty stomach!! !
even in paid ones

Answer from Alexandra[guru]
Blood tests are always taken on an empty stomach

Answer from Krasya Milintsova[guru]
There are no such diseases, it’s a myth.

Answer from Mommy[guru]
It doesn’t matter at all Whether you eat or not, these viruses will not appear in the blood. Indicators such as cholesterol, sugar depend on whether YOU ate or not.

Answer from ****** [guru]
A light breakfast is available. But finally, after eating a hearty meal, I gave up, infections don’t care whether you’re hungry or well-fed.

Answer from Mamzel Elena[guru]
On an empty stomach. I don’t remember about HIV, but they definitely required blood for herpes and cytomegalovirus viruses on an empty stomach. It’s better not to eat than to have to redo it later.

Answer from Yoalon Beauty Madame Zhu-Zhu[guru]
MUST BE ON A YEAR STOMACH! so as not to run to a retake

Answer from Butterfly[guru]
In the morning on an empty stomach

Answer from AQUARIUS[guru]
You can have a positive reaction to syphilis if you eat a fatty meal the day before, but AIDS and hepatitis don’t care whether you ate or not!))

Answer from Evgenia Lamanina[guru]
What kind of stupidity is it that you donate blood on an empty stomach for sugar or biochemistry tests, and HIV diseases don’t care whether you ate or not. Either they are there or not, they always handed over after breakfast.

Answer from Olya Yoimonova[guru]
HIV does not exist, has not been isolated, no one has seen it. AIDS exists, but it is not an infection, but a condition of the body caused by a weakened immune system for various reasons other than HIV.
You must be asked for consent to have your blood drawn and tested for HIV.
I thought that the trick with homeopathy was the most global in medicine, but it turns out it’s not at all, flowers, husks.
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Few people know how to take an HIV test. IN modern world This question could not be more relevant, since the human immunodeficiency virus has become widespread. Every person should know how the virus occurs and how to detect it.

Pathogenesis of the disease

HIV is a virus that targets the hematopoietic system. Its characteristic feature is that this microorganism, entering the bloodstream, has a direct effect on the cells of the immune system (in particular T-lymphocytes), preventing them from carrying out normal immune and cellular reactions.

Over time, there is a complete suppression of the activity of T-lymphocytes, in particular T-helpers. Antigen presentation—the ability of T cells to “mark” foreign cells in a certain way—is disrupted, making them a target for other immune cells. As a consequence of this, any bacteria and viruses can penetrate the body, and the immune system, which is unable to recognize them and give an adequate immune response, will continue to be inactive, that is, acquired human immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) develops. As it progresses, it leads to the development of multiple organ failure and contamination of internal organs when contagious microorganisms enter.

As a result, there is the development of severe forms of infectious diseases that are difficult to respond to drug therapy, which eventually leads to death.

Diagnosing the presence of HIV infection is difficult due to the predominance of symptoms common to many diseases. In the later stages, it is easier to suspect the presence of HIV infection, but treatment for the development of AIDS no longer gives the desired effect and is palliative and symptomatic.

In order to prevent the development of AIDS, it is necessary to timely and competently determine the presence of HIV in the body and take the necessary measures to eliminate it.

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Diagnosis of HIV in patients

Unfortunately, not everyone knows how to take a blood test for HIV or who to contact. The condition is also aggravated by the fact that persons who engage in disorderly behavior sex life and those who do not care about the safety of both themselves and their partner are in no hurry to turn to doctors for help, believing that all the symptoms that bother them are the result of overwork, poor diet or stress.

Early (timely) treatment by patients contributes to a speedy diagnosis and increases the likelihood of recovery with adequate treatment.

Before taking an HIV test, you should definitely consult a physician about this condition. It is recommended to take this test yourself if you have primary symptoms for a month or more.

In the early stages of the disease, specific studies are carried out extremely rarely due to blur clinical picture and the absence of specific symptoms. ELISA, PCR and blotting become indicated in the presence of such symptoms as prolonged low-grade fever (for at least a month), progressive loss of body weight of more than 10% with normal nutrition, prolonged causeless diarrhea. Data Clinical signs should be regarded as the beginning of development acute stage HIV.

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Analysis collection process

How is an HIV test performed? In response to the penetration of HIV into the body, specific molecules - antibodies - begin to be produced to some of its antigens. The period of their formation is usually about 3-6 weeks after infection. In severe cases (pre-existing immunodeficiency, end-stage disease), their formation can take up to 12-14 weeks.

It should be remembered that blood is the main source of viral particles (infection through contact with the blood of an AIDS patient develops in 90% of cases). Therefore, it is extremely important to comply the necessary conditions safety precautions and rules for blood sampling. You need to donate blood correctly, otherwise the result will be false.

The study, if carried out by ELISA, is best carried out 1.5-2 months after unprotected sexual intercourse. There is no point in conducting the study earlier, since the necessary antibodies have not yet formed in the blood, but there is no point in delaying it, since the disease may progress.

Considering the certain “intimacy” of the disease, blood testing for HIV can be carried out in any laboratory that has the necessary reagents for testing laboratory research in conditions of complete anonymity. The result is usually issued within 10 calendar days.

Venous blood is used for the study, which is collected under sterile and aseptic conditions. Before conducting the study, you must refrain from eating any food.

The main method for diagnosing HIV infection is enzyme immunoassay. This reaction is based on the principle of marking specific cells (in this case, antibodies to the immunodeficiency virus). Specific molecules similar in structure to the immunodeficiency virus are injected into the resulting blood sample. These molecules are marked with a special enzyme, which is activated as a result of the binding of the molecule to the antibody and gives a specific glow reaction, visible under a microscope.

The advantage of this reaction is also its relative simplicity, the possibility of carrying it out in medical institutions outpatient and inpatient, relatively cheap and high speed obtaining research results. Due to this, enzyme immunoassay is used as a screening method for detecting HIV infection.

The main disadvantage of this type of reaction is its hypersensitivity. The reaction can give a false positive result during pregnancy, persistence in the body of another viral infection, when the patient is exhausted. To clarify the result, the analysis is repeated using the ELISA method, and if it shows a positive result, they resort to the second stage of the study - clarification using immunoblotting.

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PCR method when taking an HIV test

A more reliable research method is polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This technique is aimed at identifying the genetic material of the virus from a blood test. The essence of the study is the formation of specific DNA fragments characteristic of the immunodeficiency virus. If these fragments are detected in an existing blood sample, it can be judged that the immunodeficiency virus is present in the blood.

This study rarely gives the wrong idea about the nature of the pathogen. Errors are possible when the disease developed under the influence of another microorganism from the retrovirus family.

However, this technique is not widely used in diagnosing HIV infection due to the complexity of the procedure and the fact that viruses in the blood are located inside lymphocyte cells, which makes it difficult to isolate genetic material for research.

At the first stage of diagnosis, it is necessary to obtain at least two positive samples for HIV using enzyme immunoassay. If the detection of the virus is confirmed by ELISA, they resort to the second stage - blotting.

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Immunoblotting as a method for diagnosing HIV

How is a blood test for HIV done using immunoblotting? This reaction is based on passing an electric current through a solution containing a sample of the patient's blood. As a result of the effect of electrophoresis, the distribution of blood protein fractions occurs, including immunoglobulins. In the presence of a high amount of immunoglobulins G, specific for the immunodeficiency virus, the diagnosis is considered confirmed.

The diagnosis of AIDS is considered positive when a positive result is obtained at the second stage of the study - immunoblotting. If the ELISA showed the presence of the virus, but the result was not confirmed by immunoblotting, the reaction is considered negative and the person is healthy.

Contact with an HIV carrier does not always lead to the development of infectious process. There have been cases when the virus, entering the body, did not provoke the development of an infectious process, but was in a latent stage. This condition is regarded as a virus carrier and requires clarification of the nature of the microorganism and the necessary treatment.

In such people, the likelihood of developing the disease can be checked by performing viral load tests. Considering that HIV can come in two variations, if possible, their quantities should be determined separately. For HIV class 1, a viral load of up to 2000 per ml of blood is considered relatively safe. HIV 2 can be present in slightly larger quantities: it has been proven that their quantity up to 10,000 may not cause the development of infection. A viral load above these numbers almost always leads to the development of an acute infectious process (50,000 or more viral units indicate the development of acute HIV infection).

Diagnosis of congenital AIDS and transmission of HIV from mother to child poses a certain difficulty. A peculiarity of diagnosing HIV in children is that the first time after birth, the child’s body does not produce its own antibodies, and maternal antibodies, transmitted through the hematoplacental barrier from the mother, circulate in his bloodstream. That is why HIV testing in children is carried out within two years of birth. The diagnosis is confirmed in the presence of a burdened medical history in the parents and positive results of laboratory tests.

Rarely, puncture of amniotic fluid can be performed to identify perinatal pathology and congenital AIDS, but if possible, this intervention should be abandoned.

In some cases, it is possible to remove the diagnosis of HIV infection. It is applicable for children born to HIV-positive mothers, when the disappearance of specific antibodies to the virus was observed within 3 years from birth.

In adults, the diagnosis of AIDS is rarely removed, since in most cases, due to late diagnosis and inadequately prescribed treatment, death develops from the progression of concomitant diseases.

Less reliable signs of the development of HIV infection can be considered: a decrease in the number of leukocytes in a blood test, changes leukocyte formula, reducing the number of T-helpers. At later stages, there is a progressive decrease in all blood parameters, up to anemia, agranulocytosis, which makes the patient’s body predisposed to the penetration of other infectious agents and an extremely severe course of these diseases.

More than once there have been situations when patients, having ignored, for example, the rules for collecting urine, “received” protein in the analysis, which, if the doctor was “gullible,” led to an incorrect diagnosis, unjustified therapy and many other problems.

Having had a hearty bite before donating blood, some of the patients with lipid metabolism disorders found in the certificate a positive result of a rapid test for syphilis. The family scenes that took place (before the re-examination, already with the correct preparation) would have been comic if they had not looked so much like a drama.
Remember that obtaining reliable analysis results requires correct collection of material. Failure to comply with the rules of preparation for submitting material for research, at best, will lead to the need to repeat the analysis, at worst - to an incorrect diagnosis with all the ensuing consequences. Therefore, before taking tests, carefully read the relevant sections of this leaflet. Human memory is imperfect, so before visiting the clinic, do not be lazy to remember the recommendations of specialists - thereby you will save yourself from unnecessary problems.

Urine collection rules

General laboratory examination. For general analysis It is preferable to use “morning” urine, which is collected in the urine during the night. bladder; this reduces the natural daily fluctuations in urine parameters and thereby more objectively characterizes the parameters under study. The volume of urine for a complete study is 70 ml or more. Urine should be collected in a dry, clean, well washed from cleaning and disinfectants dishes All urine can be collected for analysis, but inflammatory elements may be present in it. urethra, external genitalia, etc. Therefore, as a rule, the first portion of urine is not used; the second (middle) portion of urine is collected in a clean container, without touching the body with the bottle. The container with urine is tightly closed with a lid.

Before submitting urine for analysis, it is undesirable to use medications, because some of them (in particular, ascorbic acid, which is part of most complex vitamins) affect the results of biochemical studies of urine.
Transportation of urine should be carried out only at above-zero temperatures, otherwise precipitated salts can be interpreted as a manifestation renal pathology, or completely complicate the research process. In this case (“frozen urine”) the analysis will have to be repeated.

General blood analysis

The study is performed in the morning on an empty stomach. It is not recommended to donate blood after physical activity, use of medications, especially with intramuscular or intravenous administration their. You should not donate blood after exposure to x-rays (“X-rays”) or physical therapy procedures. Taking into account the daily rhythms of changes in blood parameters, it is advisable to take samples for repeated studies at the same time.

Biochemical blood tests

A mandatory requirement is a regime of complete abstinence from food on the day of donating blood for analysis (a light dinner is recommended in the evening of the previous day). Intense physical work is contraindicated; stressful situations should be avoided.

The influence of various medicines biochemical indicators of the body’s condition are so diverse that it is recommended to stop taking medicinal substances before donating blood for testing. If discontinuation of the medication is not possible, it is necessary to inform the attending physician about what substances were used for therapeutic purposes; this will allow the introduction of a conditional correction to the laboratory test results.

Blood test for immune status and viral load

Although food does not have a strong effect on the results of the test for immune status and viral load, it is still better to donate blood for these tests on an empty stomach.

HIV infection is the main cause of the development of immunodeficiency virus in humans. Infection of the body occurs due to many factors: blood transfusion without following all the rules, the use of infected syringes, unprotected sexual contact with a carrier of the infection. In the first stages, the disease occurs without the manifestation of pronounced symptoms. Due to late detection of the disease, treatment subsequently becomes more complicated. This can be avoided by taking the test in a timely manner. In this regard, the question arises: “Is blood tested for HIV on an empty stomach or not?” To obtain the correct research result, it is important to follow all rules and recommendations.

When should you get tested?

The study is carried out only after the patient has complied with all the rules. For example, blood is donated for HIV on an empty stomach. This increases the likelihood of a correct diagnosis. The purpose of the analysis is to detect antibodies. In the human body they appear 2-3 weeks after the alleged infection.

It is necessary to donate blood for HIV on an empty stomach in the following cases:

the person has suffered sexual violence;
rapid weight loss;
using a non-sterile needle for injection;
preparation for surgery;
unprotected sexual contact;
the partner is HIV positive;
the presence of any sexually transmitted infection.

Before donating, it is important to further clarify whether the blood test for HIV is on an empty stomach or not from doctors, since this is the main criterion for obtaining correct results.

Basic rules for passing the analysis

For everyone who decides to visit the clinic, it is necessary to know, regardless of how to take an HIV test on an empty stomach or not, there is a main requirement - early medical consultation.

The last meal should be at least eight hours ago. Additionally, it is recommended to stop drinking alcohol. A clinic employee takes 5 ml of blood from a vein. In this case, a person can lie or sit. It is important to approach this procedure responsibly.

Further research is carried out in several stages. At the first of them, a person must find out whether they donate blood for HIV on an empty stomach or not. This is the main condition that must be fulfilled. After blood is drawn, only the number is indicated on the tube. The procedure is carried out in order to maintain the confidentiality of each patient.

It should be noted that the antibodies that appear during HIV infection can also be produced due to other diseases. For example, making an accurate diagnosis of a person with allergies is quite difficult. To do this, it is necessary to conduct a number of additional studies.

In accordance with the doctor's decision - whether an HIV test is taken on an empty stomach or not - additionally, before starting the study, you will be asked to fill out a form containing all the necessary information.

Fasting blood test for HIV or not? All doctors say that it is best to take material for research from a person who has not eaten for the last 8 hours. The results are prepared in the laboratory within 2 to 10 days. Any clinic follows a confidentiality policy, so there should be no fear of disclosure. Please note that we do not always receive an answer immediately. Some results are questionable. In this case, the patient is recommended to undergo a repeat examination after a certain period of time. If the answer is positive, the patient receives a referral to the appropriate specialist.

HIV is a serious disease. Before taking tests, ask a specialist whether blood for AIDS is taken on an empty stomach or not. Also ask about additional requirements that are needed during the research process.

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In what cases is a blood test prescribed for HIV infection?

pregnancy planning;
preoperative preparation and hospitalization;
sudden weight loss unknown reason;
casual sexual contact;
using unsterile injection needles.

Why do you need to take a blood test for HIV infection?

Blood test for HIV infection is necessary in order to get rid of anxiety and fears, protect yourself and your loved ones, and begin treatment in a timely manner.

What diagnostic methods are used to test blood for HIV infection?

An enzyme immunoassay detects antibodies directed against HIV. If they are, it means there is HIV infection. The PCR (polymerase chain reaction) method detects the virus itself in the body; this is the most reliable method.

How are the results of blood tests for HIV infection using the PCR method assessed?

The result of the analysis is usually called positive (the virus is detected), negative (there is no virus) or doubtful (markers of the virus are present, but not all of them; the result cannot be considered positive).

Where can I get a blood test for HIV infection?

A blood test for HIV can be done at any hospital. At AIDS centers, testing is done free of charge and anonymously, regardless of place of residence.

How to prepare for research?

It is advisable to take a blood test on an empty stomach (at least 8 hours must pass between the last meal and blood collection).

How does a blood test for HIV infection work?

Blood for analysis is taken from treatment room with a sterile syringe from the cubital vein, approximately 5 ml.

How to get the result of a blood test for HIV infection?

The examination result is communicated by the doctor personally, and this information is strictly confidential. If the test was taken anonymously at the AIDS Center, then the answer can be obtained by calling the number that will be provided during the blood draw.

When will the results of a blood test for HIV infection be ready?

Waiting times for results range from two to ten days.

Where to go with the results of a blood test for HIV infection?

A negative test does not require specialist consultation. When a person receives a positive blood test result for HIV infection, the doctor usually recommends that he contact the AIDS center.

Is there treatment for HIV positive people?

For Russian citizens, treatment is free and prescribed by a doctor at the Center for Prevention and Control of AIDS.

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When and why to take the test?

The most common reasons that bring a person to a specialist to perform an HIV antibody test include:

Constant risky behavior. As part of the consultation, the specialist can recommend how to reduce the risk.
Random risky behavior. It is advisable to test for HIV 2-3 months after the risk situation. During this time, it is necessary to behave safely (sexual intercourse only with a condom or abstinence).
Before creating a new relationship. Partners should be tested together (unless one of them is sexually inexperienced) and should be confident that they have behaved safely for at least two months prior to testing.
All sexually transmitted diseases and especially ulcerative infections with symptoms (herpes, genital ulcers, gonococcal infection, syphilis, chlamydia, mycoplasma) significantly increase the risk of transmitting HIV infection between sexual partners.

HIV test - general information

HIV tests do not detect the presence of the virus in the body, but monitor the occurrence of certain specific proteins. These proteins are antibodies ( international designation Ab) and antigens (Ag). Direct detection of the presence of the virus in the body is also possible, but this test is not intended to diagnose HIV infection and is complex, time-consuming and expensive, so it is not usually done. In addition, it has not been established exactly when a negative result from such a test can be considered sufficiently reliable. This leads to some testing limitations.

Antigens begin to appear in the body approximately three weeks after infection. At this time they begin to be detected by tests. After about a week, the body produces such a large number of antibodies that the antigens are no longer detectable. Approximately six weeks after infection, the number of antigens in the body begins to decrease. Subsequently, tests detect antibodies. Once created, HIV antibodies do not disappear and can always be detected by tests. The test result, however, cannot determine how much time has passed since infection.

The main limitation of testing: analysis should be performed only after the so-called immunological window. The length of the immunological window depends on the type of test (for example, a saliva test requires a three-month interval), the person's current health status (for example, the presence of hepatitis C or syphilis, as well as the use of certain medications (for example, corticosteroids, anabolic steroids, some antibiotics and cancer drugs) may slow immunological reactions), as well as other factors.

Repeated testing for one potential risk is not recommended, since it increases anxiety, and premature analysis will not bring peace of mind. On the other hand, it is recommended to repeat periodic testing for people at increased risk (for example, HIV-negative partners of HIV-positive people, men who have sex with men), the recommended interval should be discussed during the consultation.

Two main parameters for all tests:

Sensitivity indicates the test's ability to detect infected individuals.
Specificity is the ability of a test to identify every uninfected individual.

Is blood tested for HIV on an empty stomach or not?

Every person who is going to do tests is interested in the question of whether blood is donated for HIV on an empty stomach, or is this not a prerequisite?

You do not need any special preparation to test for HIV infection. However, it is recommended to donate blood before lunch, because... Donating blood for a blood test for HIV should be done on an empty stomach. In addition, it is recommended to drink enough fluids to reduce the risk of losing consciousness during blood collection. However, before the tests are carried out, at least two months must pass from the potential risk for which the person is actually doing the tests.

What you need to know about HIV testing?

A person has only one way to find out whether he is infected with HIV or not. This method is represented by a blood test that is designed specifically for the HIV virus. Thus, the infection cannot be detected by routine blood sampling. This means that unless you test yourself to be HIV positive, you should not expect other tests to tell you whether you are infected with the HIV virus or not.

In addition to the above-mentioned blood test, the presence of the HIV virus can be de facto determined by saliva testing. But, please note: the result of this test is only a guideline, and for peace of mind, it is advisable for a person to also undergo a blood test.

The purpose of a blood test is to detect whether HIV antibodies are present in the sample being tested. The human body begins to produce them when infected with a virus. Therefore, if they are present in the blood, the body is actually infected.

The key is the fact that it is impossible to detect the virus immediately after infection occurs, and even after a few days. A reliable result can be obtained, as a rule, after two to three months from the moment of infection. In other words, transmission of infection can be definitively confirmed three months after the suspected risk event. This condition is referred to as an "immunological window".

If a laboratory test shows a positive result, this, of course, does not automatically mean for an infected person that he will necessarily develop AIDS. This fact can only be determined after some time clinical examination. If the test result is negative for HIV, it can only be explained by the fact that the person tested was not infected with the virus in the previous three months before the blood test was done. In any case, this does not mean that the person is healthy, especially if during the elapsed time he found himself in a risky situation, i.e. was susceptible to transmission of infection.

At the same time, neither a positive nor a negative blood test result says anything about the health status of the partner of the person being tested. The specialized literature describes numerous cases where one partner was infected with the HIV virus, but his other half was not infected even after several unprotected sexual acts. At the same time, there are many cases where transmission of infection occurred immediately after the first sexual contact!

Viral load

The term “viral load” means total HIV virus, which contains the blood of an infected person. The higher the viral load, the higher the risk of developing AIDS, along with all the common symptoms that come with the disease.

The level of HIV in the blood (its particles are called virions) can now be determined using laboratory tests of blood samples, also called viral load tests. All types of methods that are used today for these purposes are considered very reliable. Difference between various methods lies in one thing, namely, how low the level of infectious particles in the blood a particular method can recognize. This means that in almost all cases the results have an acceptable prognostic value, indicating a low, high, or intermediate viral load.

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Pathogenesis of the disease

As a result, there is the development of severe forms of infectious diseases that are difficult to respond to drug therapy, which eventually leads to death.

In order to prevent the development of AIDS, it is necessary to timely and competently determine the presence of HIV in the body and take the necessary measures to eliminate it.

Diagnosis of HIV in patients

Unfortunately, not everyone knows how to take a blood test for HIV or who to contact. The condition is also aggravated by the fact that people who are promiscuous and do not care about the safety of both themselves and their partners are in no hurry to seek help from doctors, believing that all the symptoms that bother them are the result of overwork, poor diet or stress.

Early (timely) treatment by patients contributes to a speedy diagnosis and increases the likelihood of recovery with adequate treatment.

Before taking an HIV test, you should definitely consult a physician about this condition. It is recommended to take this test yourself if you have primary symptoms for a month or more.

In the early stages of the disease, specific studies are carried out extremely rarely due to the blurred clinical picture and the absence of specific symptoms. ELISA, PCR and blotting become indicated in the presence of such symptoms as prolonged low-grade fever (for at least a month), progressive loss of body weight of more than 10% with normal nutrition, prolonged causeless diarrhea. These clinical signs should be regarded as the beginning of the development of the acute stage of HIV.

Analysis collection process

It should be remembered that blood is the main source of viral particles (infection through contact with the blood of an AIDS patient develops in 90% of cases). Therefore, it is extremely important to comply with the necessary safety conditions and blood collection rules. You need to donate blood correctly, otherwise the result will be false.

Considering the certain “intimacy” of the disease, blood testing for HIV can be done in any laboratory that has the necessary reagents for conducting laboratory tests in conditions of complete anonymity. The result is usually issued within 10 calendar days.

Venous blood is used for the study, which is collected under sterile and aseptic conditions. Before conducting the study, you must refrain from eating any food.

The advantage of this reaction is also its relative simplicity, the possibility of carrying it out in outpatient and inpatient medical institutions, relative low cost and high speed of obtaining research results. Due to this, enzyme immunoassay is used as a screening method for detecting HIV infection.

The main disadvantage of this type of reaction is its hypersensitivity. The reaction can give a false-positive result during pregnancy, persistence of another viral infection in the body, or when the patient is exhausted. To clarify the result, the analysis is repeated using the ELISA method, and if it shows a positive result, they resort to the second stage of the study - clarification using immunoblotting.

PCR method when taking an HIV test

This study rarely gives the wrong idea about the nature of the pathogen. Errors are possible when the disease developed under the influence of another microorganism from the retrovirus family.

At the first stage of diagnosis, it is necessary to obtain at least two positive samples for HIV using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. If the detection of the virus is confirmed by ELISA, they resort to the second stage - blotting.

Immunoblotting as a method for diagnosing HIV

Contact with an HIV carrier does not always lead to the development of an infectious process. There have been cases when the virus, entering the body, did not provoke the development of an infectious process, but was in a latent stage. This condition is regarded as a virus carrier and requires clarification of the nature of the microorganism and the necessary treatment.

Rarely, puncture of amniotic fluid can be performed to identify perinatal pathology and congenital AIDS, but if possible, this intervention should be abandoned.

In adults, the diagnosis of AIDS is rarely removed, since in most cases, due to late diagnosis and inadequately prescribed treatment, death develops from the progression of concomitant diseases.

Less reliable signs of the development of HIV infection can be considered: a decrease in the number of leukocytes in a blood test, changes in the leukocyte formula, a decrease in the number of T-helper cells. At later stages, there is a progressive decrease in all blood parameters, up to anemia, agranulocytosis, which makes the patient’s body predisposed to the penetration of other infectious agents and an extremely severe course of these diseases.

Other examination methods

Analysis of other physiological fluids (sweat, saliva, semen) are not truly informative and are regarded primarily as methods of disease transmission (although the probability of transmission through saliva and sweat is less than 0.1%).

The secretion of a woman's vagina may contain viral particles, which is a predisposing factor to the spread of the disease.

All studies are carried out under conditions of strict sterility in order to exclude incorrect diagnosis and for the safety of the health of laboratory workers.

Once a year, it is better for everyone to donate blood for HIV.

If we take all of the above into account, it is clear that a blood test for HIV does not always indicate the presence of of this disease. It is necessary to conduct the study at least three times for the diagnosis to be confirmed. Even if immunodeficiency viruses were detected in the blood, there is no need to panic, because there are currently drugs that help suppress the reproduction of these viruses.

Despite the fact that treatment must be carried out constantly, patients with a confirmed diagnosis can live for quite a long time, following all the instructions and prescriptions of the doctor.

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What is HIV and AIDS

The human immunodeficiency virus leads to the development of HIV infection, which, in turn, leads to the appearance of AIDS, i.e. terminal stage of the disease. Every year the number of people testing positive for HIV increases by several thousand. The main reason for this phenomenon is the lack of information about the ways of contracting this disease, ignoring safety rules in intimate relationships and when using medical instruments. The danger of HIV infection also lies in the fact that the disease is diagnosed quite late, when it reaches severe stages. For more early stages The symptoms of HIV infection are similar to the symptoms of other diseases, and sometimes it does not manifest itself at all.

Many people believe that HIV and AIDS are the same disease. This is wrong. HIV infection, developing in the body, provokes the destruction of cells of the immune system. As a result of such exposure, the body ceases to resist many bacteria and viruses, and serious diseases develop - hepatitis, tuberculosis, etc. If special treatment is not carried out - antiretroviral therapy, the infection progresses, the diseases become more severe, all this leads to the development of AIDS (syndrome acquired immunodeficiency).

This is the fourth and final, incurable stage of HIV infection. But with timely diagnosis and proper treatment people with positive HIV status live long enough, the onset of the terminal stage occurs after many years, and concomitant diseases develop less frequently and are not so severe.

There are no symptoms for this disease. If the body is young and healthy, then years may pass before HIV infection manifests itself in any way. Most often, it is discovered completely by accident: during a medical examination, when planning a pregnancy in women, or during hospitalization with other diagnoses. It is impossible to determine the presence of infection visually. The only way To find out whether this virus is in the body is to conduct an HIV test.

When is analysis necessary?

Blood is donated for HIV if there is even the slightest suspicion about the possibility of infection with the virus. For example, if:

had unprotected sexual contact with a stranger;
non-sterile medical instruments were used (for medical procedures, piercing, tattooing);
there was sharing or reuse of syringes or needles (drug use, medical injections).
direct blood transfusion was performed.

This test is also prescribed to all pregnant women and patients undergoing surgery.

If increased lymph nodes in more than two areas, with sudden, unjustified weight loss, fever of unknown cause, long-term intestinal disorders, and other symptoms leading to a general deterioration in health, you must be tested for the presence of the virus. It is advisable to take an HIV test if such diseases as:

thrush;
pneumonia;
tuberculosis;
herpes;
toxoplasmosis, etc.

Most often, this analysis requires repeating. This is due to the fact that, once in the blood, the virus begins to manifest itself after a certain period. And the body needs from 25 days to 6 months to produce such an amount of antibodies that could be determined using an HIV test. This time has a specific name - “window period”. Therefore, HIV testing is recommended to be done twice - immediately after the possible fact of infection and after 3-6 months. It is worth remembering that the human immunodeficiency virus is not transmitted in the following cases:

through insect bites (ticks, bedbugs, mosquitoes);
through household items and personal hygiene products (towels, dishes, shoes, clothes);
when visiting a swimming pool, sauna, bath;
through kisses (if there are no open wounds on the mucous membranes).

Rules for testing for HIV infection

What is an HIV test? This is an analysis to detect antibodies to HIV, i.e. antibodies produced by the body in response to the penetration of the human immunodeficiency virus. Today there are 2 types of this analysis - ELISA and PCR.

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) helps determine the presence of antibodies produced by the immune system to fight infection.

The reliability of this testing is almost 99%, and the high-level technology makes this test relatively inexpensive and accessible to all categories of citizens. To conduct such a study, you need to take blood from a vein.

There are types of tests that determine the presence of antibodies in saliva and urine, but such indicators are not always sufficiently informative and are not used in our country.

No special preparation is required to take the HIV test. It’s enough just not to eat or drink anything 6-8 hours before it, except clean water or unsweetened tea, because... It is best to take the test on an empty stomach.

The examination results will be ready within 3-10 days. What are they based on? Within a month from the moment the infection enters the human circulatory system, antibodies begin to be produced. Their quantity required for a successful HIV test appears in the required concentration only 2-2.5 months after infection. Therefore, after 3-6 months, re-testing is carried out.

If the transcript of the analysis indicates a positive result, the data is rechecked using an immunoblot test. It has higher sensitivity, and its indicators are more reliable. Do not use it on your own, because... The percentage of false positive responses for this test is also quite high.

A diagnosis of a positive HIV status is made only if there are two positive answers: ELISA and immunoblot.

The second test the system uses to determine the presence of viral proteins is a test called polymer chain reaction (PCR). To carry it out, blood is also taken from the ulnar vein on an empty stomach, and it can be donated 10 days after the virus is supposed to enter the circulatory system. But the indicators of this test are not very reliable - no higher than 95%. Carrying out this test is advisable only when a preliminary diagnosis is necessary: in newborns or before the expiration of three months from the moment of infection. The results of this test cannot serve as an indicator for making a diagnosis.

HIV test results are:

positive when antibodies to the virus are present;
negative – no antibodies detected;
false positive;
false negative.

In case of a false positive result, it is recommended to retake the tests after 2-3 weeks. This response is characterized by the presence of hepatitis virus proteins in the blood, similar to the proteins of the immunodeficiency virus. A false positive response occurs in a situation where there is no virus in the body, but the analysis shows its presence. Most often, retaking tests using immunoblotting confirms the absence of infection in the body.

A false negative is a negative result when the virus is present. Such situations arise when the test is taken too early and the amount of antibodies has not yet reached the required concentration for an accurate result. If antiretroviral therapy is carried out, the tests will also be false negative, because Under the influence medical supplies the concentration of viruses in the blood decreases significantly and the systems simply do not work.

Why do you need to take an HIV test?

Most people who are offered or prescribed an HIV test are worried and afraid. Especially if this analysis is to be completed for the first time. This is due to the fear of receiving a positive answer and the lack of sufficient information about the disease, the stages of its progression, treatment methods and consequences. These fears are completely justified and natural.

It is worth remembering that passing the test will help you avoid ignorance and put an end to this issue. Even if the virus is detected, this is not a death sentence. Timely treatment, especially in the early stages, will help reduce the risk of developing concomitant diseases, give birth to a healthy child and live a long, happy and fulfilling life.

In our country, you can take an HIV test completely anonymously, and in some clinics it’s free.

Receipt of medications necessary for appropriate treatment, consultation with psychologists, and assistance from specialists from AIDS centers are also provided free of charge.

And although today in medicine there are no drugs that can completely cure HIV infection, antiretroviral therapy can significantly reduce the activity of viral cells and push back terminal stage for several years. A competent attitude towards your health, obtaining information about the disease, a positive attitude and self-confidence will become active helpers in the fight against this disease.