Tests Available for HIV and AIDS

Tests Available for HIV and AIDS

HIV
-There are many different types of tests for HIV, however they all do roughly the same thing to check for HIV (count HIV antibodies.) The only difference between the tests is the amount of time it takes to get results back and efficiency.
The original test that all the others are based off of is referred to as the HIV Antibody Test, ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) or just EIA (enzyme immunoassay):

• Taken 2-12 weeks after known exposure
• Test counts the body's antibodies against HIV which the body starts producing between 2-12 weeks after exposure.
• One can only know for sure if they are HIV negative if the test is taken 6 or more months after exposure.
• Antibody tests can use blood, oral fluid (not saliva), and urine to detect HIV antibodies. 

AIDS

-There is not an exact test for AIDS. When one is diagnosed with HIV, doctors routinely check your T-Cell count.

•  One officially has AIDS when their T-Cell count is below 200 cells/mm3 (cubic millimeter.)
• T-Cells are a type of "fighter" cell in the body that fights off infection. When HIV has destroyed one's immune system enough for the T-Cell count to be below 200 cells/mm3 then they officially have AIDS. 

HOWEVER, if one does not know they have HIV, there are tests doctors give that 

1) Test to see if they have HIV.

2) Count your T-Cells and viral load (With AIDS T-Cell is low and viral load is high.)

Sites used: 

-http://hivinsite.ucsf.edu/insite?page=basics-01-01

-http://aids.gov/hiv-aids-basics/just-diagnosed-with-hiv-aids/understand-your-test-results/cd4-count/

-Dr. Juniper Martin