An HIV test is an accurate and only way to detect the human immunodeficiency virus in the body. Timely diagnosis allows you to live a full life, supporting your immune system with auxiliary medications.
The transregulatory virus “attacks” from the inside and can remain in the body undetected for many years. A blood test for HIV is an effective weapon to fight and contain the spread of the disease.
Process of HIV virus analysis in the laboratory of the Pomerini dispensary in Tanzania-Africa – a doctor performs a complete analysis to determine if the patient is affected by the HIV virus - Photo by Francofox
An HIV test can be taken at:
- Clinics specializing in the fight against AIDS;
- Private laboratories;
- District medical institutions (subject to their proper equipment).
The patient takes tests for HIV and AIDS on his own initiative. Other HIV diagnostic methods that do not involve venous blood sampling are not used.
Attention! Blood testing for HIV and the results obtained are confidential. Only the patient knows about them and not even his close relatives are informed.
What is the name of the laboratory test for HIV? In the medical documentation and laboratory results it is indicated as “blood from a vein on form 50.”
The importance of traditional methods of laboratory diagnosis of HIV infection:
- Primary identification of the fact of infection and development of a treatment program in the early stages of cell infection.
- Determining the stage of the disease, making a prognosis for its further course and the state of the body.
- Taking measures to prevent subsequent infection and monitoring the results of treatment.
The method under consideration for diagnosing HIV infection detects antibodies that arise in the human body as a result of infection.
You can learn about how to properly take an HIV test, where blood is taken for HIV, and how doctors diagnose HIV right now by carefully studying the article.
How to donate blood for HIV?
A blood test for HIV is an opportunity to get rid of fears, protect yourself and your loved ones, and begin timely treatment. To get accurate results, you need to prepare for an HIV test and get answers to questions about whether you can eat, drink coffee or alcohol before donating blood for HIV.
Is blood tested for HIV on an empty stomach or not? Yes, you need to take the test on an “empty” stomach. It is important that the time period between food intake and blood sampling is at least 5 hours.
You should not eat before donating blood for HIV, since some foods and their components can cause:
- hormonal imbalance,
- cloudiness of the blood,
- precipitation.
Is it necessary to donate blood to HIV on an empty stomach? Yes, the listed changes, along with possible individual intolerance to certain food components, can lead to a distortion of the biochemical composition of the blood and a false result.
Is it possible to eat before an HIV test in the evening if you donate blood in the morning? Yes, but dinner should be light and consist of low-fat foods. Do not eat at night, limit yourself to drinking water.
Is it possible to drink coffee before donating blood for HIV? No, tea and coffee are not water; avoid them 5-8 hours before the test. They can lead to changes in hormonal levels, which will affect the reliability of the results.
Is it possible to drink alcohol before donating blood for HIV? No! You must stop drinking alcohol for 72 hours before the planned test. The presence of ethyl alcohol in the blood will not allow you to obtain accurate results.
Can I buy it before donating blood for HIV? It is recommended to stop smoking at least 1 hour before the test. This HIV test involves temporary abstinence from food, tea, coffee, alcohol and cigarettes.
How to prepare for a blood test for immunodeficiency? For your convenience, the information is presented in the table:
By following the listed rules for donating blood for HIV, you will be able to obtain reliable results and begin timely treatment.
Is an HIV test taken in the hospital during hospitalization? No, only on the initiative of the patient and provided that the hospital is equipped to conduct such a study. Tests are available at private medical centers by appointment.
Attention! Newborn babies are tested for HIV immediately after birth - tests are carried out on blood from the umbilical cord.
A test to determine antibodies to the immunodeficiency virus and detect the level of infected cells (stage of disease) is carried out free of charge in public hospitals and specialized centers.
How do you get tested for HIV?
What tests are taken for HIV? Various types of laboratory tests can detect the presence or absence of antibodies in the blood:
- Qualitative analysis. Focus – detection of antibodies to HIV-1 and HIV-2 antigens. They appear in the body from the 2nd week of infection (2-3 months should pass for a more accurate result). The disadvantage of the test is inaccuracy - a false positive result. Additional tests, if positive or equivocal, are performed after 2 weeks.
A separate type - a verification study using the immunoblot method - is prescribed if the above analysis shows a positive result twice. Characterized by maximum accuracy.
- Quantitative Analysis. PCR (polymerase chain reaction) is the ability to determine the concentration of viral RNA in the plasma of the sampled blood. Allows you to obtain results in the early stages of infection (7-10 days).
PCR is used to assess the effectiveness of treatment for an already identified disease. Qualitative testing is performed on infected women 4 weeks before delivery to decide whether to have a caesarean section.
Are all these HIV tests done on an empty stomach or not? Yes, the above rules apply to all tests listed. Failure to comply may result in a false result.
The results of the HIV analysis based on the data obtained are deciphered by the doctor:
| Type of test | Result | What does it mean? | |
|
Qualitative analysis |
|||
|
Screening |
"Negative" | A negative result means there are no antibodies in the blood (no infection) | |
| "Positively" | Presence of antibodies in the blood (there is an infection) | ||
|
Verification |
Darkening in the areas of localization of proteins gp 160, gp 140, gp 41 |
Diagnosis: HIV |
|
|
Qualitative analysis |
|||
| 20 copies/ml | No infection | ||
| Up to 20 copies/ml | It is impossible to obtain an accurate result | ||
| From 20 to 10 6 copies/ml | Reliable result | ||
| More than 10 6 copies/ml | Infection detected | ||
The doctor tells the patient the result in a different form:
- « Positive". Indicates the presence of an infection or other serious disease of the immune system. A positive result must be retested.
- "Negative". It speaks of the absence of infection or a “window” (a period when the infection is present in the body, but the concentration is minimal and is not determined by tests). If there is any doubt, a retake is made after 3-4 months.
- "Doubtful" With a low concentration of antibodies in the body (usually in the early stages of infection), as well as in the presence of diseases that are autoimmune in nature.
It is interesting that when donating blood for HIV on an empty stomach using ELISA and immunoblot tests, it is possible to obtain results of 99.7% accuracy.
Blood test for HIV
To donate blood for HIV and get accurate results, you must follow these rules. Blood is taken from the cubital vein using a sterile syringe. The procedure is carried out in a special room, the sampling volume is 5 ml.
The result is communicated personally to medical professionals and is confidential. If the test took place in a specialized AIDS center, then the answer can be obtained by the number assigned during the blood draw.
Attention! The waiting period for results after an HIV blood test is taken is from 2 to 10 days.
The HIV test can only be interpreted by a doctor! Do not try to make a diagnosis yourself and begin self-medication - otherwise you will not be able to avoid irreversible consequences for the body.
Which HIV test is the most accurate?? This is a verification study using the immunoblot method. It is a combination of 2 tests - standard ELISA analysis and electrophoresis, therefore its maximum accuracy is guaranteed.
Remember that timely diagnosis and treatment of HIV is an opportunity to protect your loved ones from infection!
HIV infection and AIDS
An AIDS test must be taken when registering with an antenatal clinic, before surgery and before donating blood for donation. It is recommended to donate through direct contact with infected blood and when using non-sterile needles for infections.
A blood test for AIDS takes no more than 5 minutes. After taking venous blood, the collection site is treated with a disinfectant and sealed with a bandage. The test is carried out on an empty stomach, so after it it is recommended to drink sweet tea and eat a piece of chocolate.
Tests for HIV and AIDS can be false positive and false negative. Among the factors that hinder obtaining reliable results:
- infectious diseases,
- equipment malfunction,
- non-compliance with the rules of preparing for the test,
- error when reporting results (“human” factor),
- pregnancy.
The likelihood of getting a false AIDS blood test result depends on how much time has passed since potential infection.
Whatever AIDS test results you receive, the main thing is to remain calm. Remember that living a full life with an infection is not a myth, but a reality!
Thank you
The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Consultation with a specialist is required!
HIV is one of the most terrible and widespread problems of humanity.What is HIV?
HIV is a human immunodeficiency virus. It is this virus that causes the development of HIV infection. Every year, this disease captures more and more people in its “tight networks”. There are many reasons for the development of HIV infection. This includes the transfusion of contaminated donor blood, unprotected sexual intercourse, infected syringes, as well as other medical instruments, and so on and so forth. The danger of HIV infection lies, first of all, in its late diagnosis. And all because this disease can be asymptomatic for a very long time. It can only be revealed through blood test on HIV..site) will tell you everything we know about this analysis.
What is a blood test for HIV?
A blood test for HIV involves detecting the presence of antibodies that appeared in the patient’s body in response to infection with the human immunodeficiency virus. Modern medicine distinguishes between two blood tests for HIV. This ELISA And PCR. A standard test, or ELISA for short, can be taken within one and a half to three months after direct contact with the patient. As for the PCR analysis, it can be done within two to three weeks from the suspected infection.Let's figure out exactly in what cases you will need to take a blood test for HIV. This test is prescribed to all women who are planning to become pregnant. It should also be taken if a person, for unknown reasons, begins to lose weight very quickly. If unsterile needles were used for injections, then you will also be given a blood test for HIV infection. An HIV test is also prescribed during preoperative preparation or during hospitalization. Remember, you should not be afraid of taking this test. Once you receive the result, you will be able to continue living without worries. If HIV infection is nevertheless detected, this is also a big plus, since timely treatment is a direct path to recovery.
How to take an HIV test correctly?
To take this test, a person must not eat for at least eight hours. That is why, before taking this test, it is best not to eat in the evening; in the morning, on an empty stomach, they will take blood from your ulnar vein and within two to ten days you will be informed of the result. Please note that this test can be taken at any hospital. If you also want this to be anonymous, then contact any AIDS prevention center for help.How are the results of this blood test evaluated?
In fact, everything is very easy and simple. If the test result is positive, it means there is a virus. If the result is negative or questionable, then there is no virus. If the test result is questionable, you will need to take it again after a certain amount of time.What are the indications for prescribing an HIV test?
If you are found to have enlarged lymph nodes in more than two areas, then you will, without a doubt, be prescribed this test. A blood test for HIV is also prescribed for fever of unknown cause, night sweats, and also for diarrhea that lasts more than three weeks and has no justification. It is advisable to take an HIV test for those patients who have diseases such as: candidiasis of internal organs, pneumonia, tuberculosis, herpes virus infection, often recurrent neuralgia, manifest toxoplasmosis and some others. And finally, a blood test for HIV infection is considered mandatory after casual unprotected sexual intercourse.
Remember, HIV infection can be prevented. To do this, you should lead a healthy lifestyle, and also do not forget that sexual contacts must be protected, especially if they are casual.
Reviews
I asked for an HIV test for the first time, there could have been an error when they told me that I have HIV, I did a repeat test, they can tell me that I don’t have it
Svetlana, doesn’t the doctor use disposable syringes?
I wanted to take a blood test for AIDS HBs Agn HIV HCV, but two tests are paid and one is free, but I changed my mind. At the reception desk at the clinic they told me on Boryspilskaya 30 that it’s free for Kiev residents, but the doctor said that it’s paid in room 217. And I thought that you need to buy a syringe at the pharmacy so that the doctor can take blood, but it turns out that you don’t need to buy a syringe, that the doctor uses his own syringe. But if they don’t change the syringe, it’s very bad. The doctor can infect people.
My wife was admitted to the hospital with suspected tuberculosis, she was tested culture-negative, positive HIV more than 1.5 years ago, she was raped, no more outside connections, where did this come from?
There is no HIV infection. HIV dissidents have a lot of information on this issue. HIV is a purely commercial project.
Hello, I’m interested in this: if two ELISA tests are negative, why prescribe IB?
arrived + Patient oncology Your actions
HIV disease has been around for over 30 years. and no one can cure her so far. It's kind of weird. everyone can be cured, but this is not.) There is an opinion that HIV does not exist, and the decline in immunity occurs due to the fact that the products are packed with a lot of additives that poison your body. and by the way, HIV itself (even if it exists) is completely harmless, all it does is supposedly reduce immunity. and you begin to suffer from decreased immunity, because all sorts of bacteria that your immune system keeps in a latent state, when immunity decreases, wake up and begin to multiply. in the end you supposedly die from this disease. So the problem is that these diseases need to be treated and they will go away. I found out that people without treatment for HIV have been living for 15 years, and sometimes they get sick with pneumonia and other diseases, and those who don’t have HIV also get sick... I even saw a video on the Internet where the person who discovered this virus later admitted that he made a mistake and does not exist. By the way, I was diagnosed with HIV almost a year ago. prescribed therapy. I took it for half a year. Not only did she turn me into a vegetable, but my metabolism was also disrupted. nightmares at night, a lot of side effects, the instructions even indicate a side effect - death). cool right?) I stopped taking them - I thought whatever would happen. For half a year now, my body has been slowly improving. I sleep like a baby, I have strength. It is better to live as a person without therapy than as a vegetable with therapy. draw your own conclusions, but I advise you to spend a couple of days and find information on HIV on the Internet, not the one that hangs on every pole, but the real one)
I took an HIV test during a medical abortion, and the blood was taken 10 minutes after taking the pills. The result was positive, I lead a healthy lifestyle, there is no doubt about my husband, so where does this result come from?? Now I’m waiting for the results from the speed center, I hope for a negative result, tell me if these pills could somehow affect the blood??
Doctors really just don't care about you.
I took an HIV ELISA test - it was doubtful (they said you have one red light, which means no idea), then they took the blood again for PCR and lived in agony for a week waiting for the result (didn’t eat, didn’t sleep, was racing my thoughts? I read the Internet in tears). The doctors set me up, asked questions about what you were sick with, etc. They said affirmatively Why does everyone think that they are not HIV positive. They promised to call and tell me the result. Here is that long-awaited call, PCR negative. The attitude of doctors, to put it mildly, is harsh, not only are they not psychologists, they are sometimes ready to drive you into a coffin without reason - this is not their life. There is always hope. ps: Married, wife is HIV negative.
Today I was diagnosed with HIV using a rapid test. Can anyone give me some advice??? Is this diagnosis accurate? Doctors say that in a week there will be an exact result, but they haven’t given up hope for a mistake...
Just now they came home and said that the tests were bad, but nothing concrete yet, perhaps a mistake. The condition is simply terrible. I will have to take it a second time. I pray to all the saints that this is a mistake. Has anyone encountered similar cases?
And who can answer the question whether the blood is tested for infections (HIV, hepatitis a, b and c) after the donor has donated blood, and if such infections are detected, are they obliged to inform the donor about what was found in his blood?
This is individual and depends on many factors
And who can say exactly how long after HIV infection a blood test can show its presence? Thanks in advance for your answer
I’ll share my experience of getting tested - I was living a quiet life until one good friend asked me just like that - when did you get tested for HIV? I realized that it was a very long time ago and doubts began to gnaw at me until I went and sent it. On the day of delivery, I cracked like a maple leaf, I had to wait a day, during that day a thousand thoughts turned over in my head... I hardly slept, but while I was walking, I even smoked (although I quit))), and then I went in, gave my passport, I read that everything was fine, I left happy and smoked again))))$ in short - don’t be afraid to say it I can (how much is unrealistic for most))$, but be sure to pass and still try to lead a lifestyle that will not harm your health , many partners may be cool for some, but the main thing in life is different! Health to everyone!
Svetlana, first of all, you should have been friends before letting such a “friend” into the bathroom with a razor! After such a visit, carry out complete sanitization with HIV-killing agents, using rubber gloves, goggles, and a mask. But now “they don’t wave their fists after a fight,” although such treatment should be carried out to protect other family members. And monitoring a child in the speed center is mandatory!!! tests, etc. And pray that everything will work out, in the future, think before exposing yourself and especially your children to the danger of contracting HIV or other dangerous infections.
I came across this test during pregnancy. The thought “what if” haunted me. I understood that I could put not even myself but my baby at risk. Faith in God and prayers to Saint Matronushka helped me overcome fear. When I was looking for results, the thoughts that I might be sick were interrupted by the thoughts that God was with me and with my little one. Believe and God will help you!
All children in orphanages must undergo medical examinations twice a year, which are carried out by specialist doctors. The purpose of medical examination is to identify abnormalities in the child’s health as early as possible, which can lead to diseases.
Damn, I’m reading this nonsense and it became funny: “I’m confident in myself and my husband...” but did you know, dear, that you can catch this mythical HIV even in the dentist’s office? Besides, I know from myself that this virus may not be detected the first time... I was diagnosed with HIV infection when I came to register for pregnancy at 5 months... By the way, I was also sure))) By the way, my gynecologist "overly qualified doctor" hahaha immediately suggested that I terminate the pregnancy, but thank God that no one began to listen to her))
HIV is a dangerous disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus. The damaging effect of this pathogen is aimed at the cells of the immune system. As a result of the development of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), the body's defenses are gradually suppressed, and it loses its ability to resist various infections and inflammatory processes.
Classification of HIV infection:
- Stage I of OI - acute.
- Stage II AI - asymptomatic (virus carriage).
- Stage III PGL - persistent generalized lymphadenopathy.
- Stage IV pre-AIDS, SAH - associated symptom complex of AIDS.
The disease occurs in a sluggish form; without drug support, the patient dies within about 8–10 years, depending on the subclass of the virus. But with antiretroviral therapy, a person can live a long life of up to 80 years. The transience of the disease is influenced by many factors, including the strain of the virus, the initial level of immunity, age, climatic conditions, diet, medical support and others.
- Constant risky behavior. As part of the consultation, the specialist can recommend how to reduce the risk.
- 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.
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 so many antibodies that the antigens are no longer detectable. Approximately six weeks after infection, the number of antigens in the body begins to decrease.
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.
Very often, when preparing for tests, those taking the test have a question about why a blood test must be taken on an empty stomach. It is worth noting that fasting is not always necessary. However, very often a fasting blood test is a prerequisite for obtaining reliable data. It is safe to say that in modern medicine it is recommended to take the test even for preventive purposes. This is one of the most important diagnostic methods. Why, you might ask?
The fact is that blood changes along with any changes in the human body. Accordingly, according to the indicators obtained from the result, it will be clear which internal organs there are problems with. It can also be noted that people who take general tests as a preventative measure extremely rarely encounter diseases in their already serious stages. When making a diagnosis, any doctor will tell you that you need to take a blood test, since the primary signs are the same for a number of diseases.
It is worth noting that donors who donate blood on an ongoing basis can always get acquainted with their biochemistry, as well as find out their blood type and Rh factor for free.
A general blood test can be considered one of the most frequently taken. For this purpose, blood is drawn from a finger. In the transcript, you can see what indicators of important blood components your body is currently showing. Using a general analysis, you can determine whether there are inflammatory processes in the body.
Give it on an empty stomach. In particular, you need to wait at least eight hours from the moment of your last meal. If you take the test after a light breakfast, you may get an overestimated white blood cell count, even if there is no inflammation.
Biochemistry can be considered a more detailed testing option. It includes the determination of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and various compounds. Whatever diseases of the internal organs you have, in most cases biochemistry can identify them.
It should be noted that biochemistry is mandatory if we are talking about diseases of the liver, kidneys, and pancreas. In addition, it is recommended to take it when determining inflammation or disorders of water-salt metabolism.
The results will be inaccurate if you don’t donate blood on an empty stomach. Blood must be drawn from a vein. Before donating blood, you need to give up everything except water for eight hours. This includes avoiding the use of chewing gum. The question why is very simple to answer. The composition of such products cannot do without sugar, which is why the glucose level changes. Accordingly, a result that does not correspond to reality will be obtained.
Quite often, in the absence of biochemistry, a sugar test is prescribed. This blood test is done on an empty stomach. Any foods cause blood sugar levels to change. Accordingly, you will have an incorrect result.
Determining your sugar level is very important when making a diagnosis of diabetes. In addition, based on its results, you can determine whether you have a predisposition to diabetes. If it is present, the doctor will be able to prescribe therapy in advance to protect you from the disease directly.
To determine the susceptibility to the disease, it is recommended that after determining the level on an empty stomach, take another test an hour later, but before drinking sweetened water.
It is mandatory to take serological tests if there is a suspicion of infections or viruses. In addition, such a test will be an excellent check if there are suspicions of disorders of the immune system, including HIV.
Such tests also need to be taken on an empty stomach; if less than six hours have passed since the last meal, then it is worth rescheduling the test, since food, and in particular its composition, greatly affects the state of the plasma. As a result, you can get a positive result even if there are no viruses in your body.
Hormone testing is also a very common type of screening. Hormone testing helps in diagnosing a large number of diseases. Hormones are part of components that are vital for humans. If hormones are not produced correctly, a person immediately feels it in his condition.
Hormone analysis is another type of test that is taken on an empty stomach, but not always when donating blood for hormones, a person needs to first fast. There are some hormones that are not affected by the composition of food, or its presence in the body in general.
Another test taken on an empty stomach is a test for tumor markers. It can be used to determine the presence of cancer-type antigens. Their presence in the blood indicates the presence of a tumor in the body. Before taking it, a fast of at least eight hours is required. You can drink water in unlimited quantities. However, you should avoid mineral water; its composition may affect some indicators.
The simplest blood test is to determine the blood group and Rh factor. They do not require special preparation; the composition of the food consumed does not affect the final result. However, before taking the exam, it is recommended to exclude X-ray studies, as well as physical procedures.
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.
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.
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 test for HIV infection.
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.
Associated symptoms of hepatitis and HIV infection
In the initial stages of the disease, a person may not be bothered by anything. Meanwhile, the infection is already present in the body, and the disease is gaining momentum. In order to prevent pathology from developing into a difficult-to-treat stage, it is necessary to monitor your health and pay attention to unfavorable changes in well-being. Immediately take all tests for hepatitis and HIV if alarming symptoms are detected.
Signs of hepatitis of all categories:
- Jaundice tint of the sclera, palms of the eyeballs.
- Rashes on the skin.
- The urine becomes dark and the stool becomes white.
- Attacks of vomiting and nausea occur.
- Pain in the joints, muscles, and also in the liver area.
- Temperature increase.
- Bitter taste in mouth.
- Difficulty falling asleep at night and apathetic, drowsy state during the day.
Symptoms of HIV infection:
- High fever.
- Popular-spotty rash over the entire surface of the skin.
- Enlarged lymph nodes.
- Pain in muscles and joints.
- Respiratory tract infections, cough.
- Gastrointestinal disorder.
- Severe sore throat.
- Ulcers in the mouth.
Analysis of HIV infection and hepatitis, why they are studied together, because they are often transmitted in the same way. Drug addicts who use injecting drugs are at increased risk of contracting a combined infection of AIDS and hepatitis.
The second place is occupied by people who lead an unclean sex life and constantly change partners. But people who do not maintain sterility when performing medical procedures are also susceptible to hepatitis and HIV infection. You should be careful when visiting beauty salons, since during seemingly completely innocent procedures, such as manicures and pedicures, there is a possibility of contracting a life-threatening infection.
Diagnosis of HIV in patients
It is advisable to undergo testing for the immunodeficiency virus once every six months, regardless of whether a person has the disease. However, during the appointment, doctors are asked a lot of questions about the specifics of the procedure. Below are the most frequently asked questions and their answers.
Do patients donate blood for HIV on an empty stomach or not? - an HIV test is taken on an empty stomach so that the body absorbs all the nutrients and glucose overnight, and the amount of insulin is leveled out, since an increased level of insulin can distort the results.
Is it possible to drink beer on the eve of the test, or is it prohibited, like all other alcohol? - The consumption of all alcohol-containing drinks is prohibited a week before donating blood. This ban also applies to beer, low-alcohol products, and alcohol-containing products.
Is it possible to smoke? If a person is a heavy smoker, then as an exception, is it possible to smoke at least one cigarette before donating blood? - no exceptions. The entry of nicotine tar and harmful substances into the body disrupts the oxygen composition of the blood, which can lead to false test results.
Is it possible to drink coffee and is it possible to drink tea before donating blood, this is not food?! - it is strictly prohibited! Coffee and tea contain stimulating substances that excite the nervous system and also change the enzyme composition of the blood. And nervous excitement on the eve of diagnosis is a very undesirable phenomenon.
Can they take blood for HIV during menstruation? - theoretically, they can take blood for testing. But it is better to ask your infectious disease specialist this question during your appointment.
Is it possible to take an HIV test if you have a cold or runny nose? - colds and infectious diseases are contraindications for the procedure due to the increased level of leukocytes in the circulatory system. It is better to take an HIV test at least 2 weeks after recovery.
Why is a repeat test for HIV and hepatitis done? - it is prescribed only when the test result for the presence of the virus is positive. When repeating the examination, a method is used that differs in the method of implementation from the first.
How is the procedure for diagnosing HIV infection? - The procedure for diagnosing HIV infection is a complex and time-consuming process. In laboratories, blood is tested using an enzyme immunoassay, but it often gives false results, since it is very sensitive to antibodies similar to AIDS antibodies. To confirm or cancel the diagnosis during re-examination, diagnostic testing of the biomaterial is carried out using PCR.
It is important to know that timely consultation with a doctor, undergoing routine check-ups, as well as maintaining a healthy lifestyle will allow a person to lead a normal, fulfilling life. Be healthy!
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
How are the results of blood tests for HIV infection using the PCR method evaluated?
How to take tests for viral infections such as HIV and hepatitis, do they need to be done on an empty stomach or not? These questions must be answered before conducting the examination. Because whether the result is reliable depends on proper preparation. Otherwise, the test for HIV infection and hepatitis will have to be repeated.
List of basic rules for taking tests for AIDS and hepatitis:
- Blood for HIV and hepatitis testing must be taken on an empty stomach; at least 8–12 hours must pass from the moment of taking the current meal, so that the stomach digests, assimilates and is completely empty. You should refrain from pickled, heavy, fatty, highly seasoned, fried, smoked foods. You can also drink water on the day of the test.
- You will need to inform your doctor in advance about taking medications if the patient is undergoing any course of treatment. Typically, the doctor will require you to stop taking all medications for a week or more.
- You should not drink alcohol for 5-7 days before taking a test for hepatitis and HIV.
- Serious emotional experiences, physical fatigue, and intense sports activities 3–5 days before the examination are contraindicated.
- You cannot combine a blood test for hepatitis and HIV and physiotherapy procedures (ultrasound, x-ray, fluorography, etc.).
- Women should consult an infectious disease specialist about the menstrual cycle, since indicators may respond to physiological changes occurring in a woman’s body under the influence of phases.
- For several days before testing for hepatitis and HIV, do not eat yellow fruits and vegetables, because they contain carotene, which can distort the information obtained from a blood test.
It is advisable to arrive at the laboratory early to sit by the office and take a break from the road. Therefore, it is better to have about half an hour of time to calm your heart rate, pulse and blood pressure before taking venous blood. On the day of your visit to the research center, you should refrain from smoking.
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:
- rapid weight loss;
- preparation for surgery;
- unprotected sexual contact;
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.
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, the 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 research material 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.
HIV is a serious disease. Before taking tests, ask a specialist whether blood is given for AIDS on an empty stomach or not. Also ask about additional requirements that are needed during the research process.
Before taking an HIV test, it is necessary to carry out preliminary preparation. During the article, you will find answers to questions about how the process of donating blood occurs, how to prepare for the test, rules for donating biomaterial to detect the HIV and hepatitis virus, why it is important to undergo diagnosis on an empty stomach, whether you can drink alcohol before diagnosis, as well as other necessary information .
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.
A blood test for HIV infection is necessary in order to get rid of anxiety and fears, protect yourself and your loved ones, and start treatment in a timely manner.
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; the result cannot be considered positive).
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.
Blood for analysis is taken in the treatment room with a sterile syringe from the cubital vein, approximately 5 ml.
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.
Waiting times for results range from two to ten days.
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.
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 with the necessary safety conditions and blood collection rules. You need to donate blood correctly, otherwise the result will be false.
The study, if carried out using the ELISA method, 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 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 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.
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.
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.
Myths about how the disease is transmitted
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ulcerations, gonococcal infection, syphilis, chlamydia, mycoplasma) significantly increase the risk of transmitting HIV infection between sexual partners.
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 so many 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.
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 for HIV positivity, 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 during a clinical examination. If a test result for HIV is negative, 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!
The term “viral load” refers to the total amount of HIV virus that is contained in 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. The differences between the various methods lie 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.
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 bladder during the night; 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 container, well washed from cleaning agents and disinfectants. For analysis, you can collect all the urine, but it may contain elements of inflammation of the 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 positive temperatures, otherwise precipitated salts can be interpreted as a manifestation of renal pathology, or will 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 or the use of medications, especially when administered intramuscularly or intravenously. 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 medications on the biochemical parameters of the body is so diverse that it is recommended to stop taking medications 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 for 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.
