Describe the general types of diagnostic tests used to diagnose patients infected with hiv.

AIDS

This disease leads to death by weakening the immune system of the human body.  Common symptoms are related to the nervous system like dementia, anxiety, depression and insomnia.

TESTS

The tests for AIDS are discussed below.

The most common test for any disease is the blood test.  

When human body is infected with the virus, the body produces anti-bodies to combat this infection. The blood test is positive if these anti-bodies are present in the blood sample of the infection person. However, it takes time for these anti-bodies to appear in the blood stream, hence, blood test should be done at regular intervals.

The tests specifically developed for AIDS are as follow.

ELISA or Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

If this test is positive, this is followed by a Western Blot test. The blot test is done in order to confirm the disease.

As said before, anti bodies take time to develop. If the test is done during this phase, it will be negative despite of the presence of virus in the blood stream.

HOME

Only one home test is approved. This is called Home Access Express Test. The kit of this home test is available at pharmacies.

SALIVA

The saliva from the patient’s cheek is obtained on a cotton pad. This pad is put in a vial which is then sent to the lab for testing.  If the result is positive, blood test is done to confirm the disease.

VIRAL LOAD

As the name suggests, this test measures the quantity of virus present in the blood. This test is done to either test the presence of HIV or to track the progress of the treatment of HIV.

WESTERN BLOT

This test is done when the result of ELSA test is positive. This test confirms the disease.

All the above test if turn out negative and the patient still doesn’t recovers, this testing should be done periodically until the disease is confirmed.