The first signs of HIV can be asymptomatic, making them difficult to detect without medical intervention. The result is the disease that leads to AIDS. Therefore, HIV/AIDS diagnosis is essential to starting HIV treatment.
There are certain tests that can be used to check body fluids for infection. HIV treatment guidelines are determined based on these studies. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends some medications for the treatment of HIV and AIDS that have proven useful in diagnosing the disease.
Antibody Screening Tests
These tests look for a class of proteins that your body produces in response or in response to HIV after 2 to 8 weeks.
They are also called ELISA tests or immunoassays and are known for their accuracy.
RNA Tests
This test can detect infection 10 to 12 days after contracting HIV. Since this test is a bit expensive, doctors do not recommend it as a first test. Doctors are more likely to use this test if there are high risk factors or if a person is showing flu-like symptoms but HIV infection is still suspected.
Antigen or Antibody Combination Tests
These tests can check for HIV antigens in the blood. These antigens are components of the virus itself and appear 2-4 weeks after infection.
In fact, rapid antigen tests can give test results in just 20 minutes.
Saliva Test
This test is the simplest form of HIV diagnosis. A cotton pad containing saliva is placed in a container as a test sample and submitted to the laboratory for testing. The results will be available within two to three days.
HIV Treatment Factors
When creating a treatment
plan, three main components need to be analyzed:
- The patient's readiness and willingness to start HIV treatment
- The extent or severity of the patient's condition
- Other health problems
Only after these tests can the doctor decide which form of HIV treatment or HIV therapy is right for the patient.
