TYPES OF HIV TESTS (WHICH HIV TEST IS RIGHT FOR ME)
ANTIBODY TESTS
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An HIV antibody test measures the amount of antibodies present in the body in order to fight the HIV infection. It can take 4-6 weeks, even up to three months after infection. Antibody tests are the most common tests for HIV.
ELISA (EIA) TEST ELISA tests are the main antibody tests for HIV. Rapid testing can yield results in 10-30 minutes. Positive results don’t necessarily mean you are positive, but indicate you’ll need a second test for confirmation (Western Blot).
WESTERN BLOT TEST Western Blot is frequently tested as a follow up to confirm the presence of antibodies. Typically, the test is used to confirm a positive HIV diagnosis, or a positive ELISA.The two tests together are 99% effective.
RNA (VIRAL LOAD) TESTS
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Viral load tests are usually recommended only in very high risk situations where infection is likely. This is because the testing is less accurate, more expensive, and requires more laboratory resources.
EARLY DETECTION HIV RNA TEST
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HIV RNA testing is the most sensitive, and accurate, early testing option for HIV. Though the test window is much earlier, viral load testing is unfortunately less accurate than the two above, false readings more common. Subsequent tests are more often requested to confirm readings.
P24- COMBINATION
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P24- combination tests will detect over 95% of infections over 4 weeks of exposure. These tests can detect the P24 protein an average of 10-14 days after infection. The P24 protein is usually not detectable after 5 weeks.
CONCLUSION: Which HIV Test is Right for Me? ANTIBODY TESTS
EARLY DETECTION HIV RNA
We know antibody tests can take anywhere from one to three months to yield an accurate result, but the results are very accurate.
These tests are going to be a bit more costly, and initial testing is less accurate; false positives are more common. Of course, false results are easy to identify, provoking the option for subsequent testing to confirm.
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