Monday, 23 December 2013

HIV Testing in the Window Period

HIV testing is done for those who are infected newly with the virus, for identifying conditions that were previously unrecognized and for relieving the minds of people who are not yet infected. Indeed, analysis should be a routine aspect of medical practice. It is important for pregnant women to undertake the test as medications have provided efficient in reducing the transmission of the virus from the mom to the infant. The examination is carried out in 2 steps – diagnosing for antibodies and the western blot analysis. In the first, antibodies are examined in the saliva or blood. In the western blot examination, the accuracy of the initial result is determined.

If the results of both examinations are positive, there are around 99% chances that the person will test positive. The examinations might miss out some infections, leading to false negative tests. This usually takes place right after the antibodies are beginning to develop and have a low level for detection (usually less than 4 weeks or around that time). Free HIV testing locations are available. At times, the examinations are required to be taken by doctors as a part of the evaluation and remedy for other conditions like women facing assisted reproductive technologies for their infertility or patients of viral hepatitis.

An increasing concern is that enough people are not tested for the virus. There are various ways of performing the HIV testing. These include the RNA analysis, antibody analysis and a combination of examinations which detect the presence of the p24 viral protein, and antibodies. The analyses are aimed to detect type 1 of the virus and other infections, although none of the analyses are perfect. They might turn out to be falsely negative or falsely positive or even indeterminate, at times. The positive results can be reported to the health department to monitor the spread of the infection.

The names which are sent to the authorities are confidential and not reported to family members, employers and others. Anonymous examinations are also permitted in which the name of the patient is not recorded. The virus contains a lot of unique proteins on the surface and inside as well. If someone has the virus in their system, their body produces substances that are meant to neutralize the effects of the virus. The substances are known as antibodies and are directed against viral proteins. However, these antibodies do not eradicate the virus.

Antibody examinations are generally done using a blood sample. An enzyme related assay which is known as EIA is often used. The serum of the individual is allowed to react with the viral proteins produced inside the laboratory. If the virus is present in the body of the individual, the antibodies will bind to the proteins. The extent of the binding can be charted. Negative results can be availed within a day. Kits are available in the market. The purpose of these rapid kits is to allow you to do the analysis from inside your home in strict privacy. The best thing is that the results can be obtained within 30 minutes.