Question 1

What is Chronic HIV infection?

Accepted Answer

Chronic HIV infection is the ongoing presence of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus in the body after the initial acute infection phase, lasting for many years without treatment. It is caused by HIV-1 or HIV-2 viruses that continue to replicate and attack CD4+ T cells, progressively weakening the immune system. The HIV 1/2 Antigen and Antibodies, Fourth Generation test is the most important test for confirming chronic HIV infection.

Question 2

What causes chronic HIV infection?

Accepted Answer

Chronic HIV infection is caused by the continued presence of HIV-1 or HIV-2 viruses in the body after the initial acute infection phase. These viruses target and destroy CD4+ T cells, which are crucial white blood cells that help your immune system fight infections. Without treatment, the virus continues to replicate throughout the body, gradually weakening your immune defenses over many years and eventually progressing to AIDS if left untreated.

Question 3

What is the best test for chronic HIV infection?

Accepted Answer

The HIV 1/2 Antigen and Antibodies, Fourth Generation test is the most important test for chronic HIV infection because it detects both HIV antigens (proteins from the virus itself) and HIV antibodies (proteins your immune system produces in response to the infection). This comprehensive approach makes it highly accurate for confirming ongoing infection, as HIV antibodies remain present in the blood for life once infection has occurred. The test can identify both HIV-1 and HIV-2 strains, providing complete coverage for diagnosis and monitoring.

Question 4

When should I get tested for chronic HIV infection?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you have previously tested positive for HIV and need to confirm your ongoing status, if you have engaged in unprotected sex or shared needles in the past several months, if a sexual partner has disclosed they are HIV positive, or if you are experiencing persistent symptoms like unexplained weight loss, chronic fatigue, recurring fevers, or frequent infections. Regular testing every 3-6 months is recommended for people with ongoing risk factors, and annual testing is advised for sexually active adults.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of chronic HIV infection?

Accepted Answer

Chronic HIV infection often causes mild to moderate symptoms that may come and go over many years. You might experience persistent swollen lymph nodes in your neck, armpits, or groin, recurring fevers or night sweats, unexplained weight loss, chronic diarrhea lasting weeks or months, extreme fatigue, frequent yeast infections, skin rashes or sores, and increased susceptibility to infections like pneumonia or shingles. Some people experience very few symptoms during this stage, which can last 8-10 years or longer without treatment, making regular testing crucial even when you feel healthy.

Question 6

Who is at risk for chronic HIV infection?

Accepted Answer

Anyone who has contracted HIV and has not been treated is at risk for chronic infection, as the virus persists in the body indefinitely. Risk factors for initial HIV transmission include having unprotected sex with multiple partners or someone whose HIV status is unknown, sharing needles or syringes for drug use, having another sexually transmitted infection that creates open sores, and receiving blood transfusions or organ transplants before 1985. Healthcare workers exposed to contaminated needles and babies born to HIV-positive mothers who did not receive preventive treatment are also at risk.

Question 7

What happens if chronic HIV infection is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated chronic HIV infection progresses to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), typically within 8-10 years, though this timeline varies. As the virus destroys more CD4+ T cells, your immune system becomes severely compromised, leaving you vulnerable to opportunistic infections like pneumocystis pneumonia, toxoplasmosis, and tuberculosis, as well as certain cancers like Kaposi sarcoma and lymphomas. Without treatment, people with AIDS typically survive only 1-3 years. Modern antiretroviral therapy can prevent this progression, allowing people with HIV to live normal lifespans with undetectable viral loads.

Question 8

Can chronic HIV infection be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, chronic HIV infection is definitively diagnosed with blood tests that detect HIV antibodies and antigens. The fourth-generation HIV test is the gold standard, detecting both HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies that develop within weeks of infection and remain in the blood for life, as well as the p24 antigen that appears earlier. These blood tests are extremely accurate for chronic infection, with sensitivity rates above 99%. Additional blood tests measure CD4+ T cell counts and viral load to assess disease progression and immune system health in people with confirmed HIV.

Question 9

How is chronic HIV infection treated?

Accepted Answer

Chronic HIV infection is treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART), a combination of medications that suppress HIV replication and prevent disease progression. Modern ART typically involves taking 1-3 pills daily that contain multiple drugs working through different mechanisms to block the virus. Treatment goals include reducing viral load to undetectable levels (meaning the virus cannot be transmitted sexually), maintaining or restoring CD4+ T cell counts above 500 cells/mm³, and preventing opportunistic infections. With consistent treatment, people with HIV can achieve normal life expectancy and quality of life, and those with undetectable viral loads cannot sexually transmit the virus to others.

Question 10

How can I prevent chronic HIV infection?

Accepted Answer

Preventing HIV infection in the first place is the best approach, achieved through using condoms consistently during sex, limiting sexual partners, getting tested regularly for HIV and other STIs with partners, avoiding sharing needles or syringes, and considering pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) if you are at high risk. If you have already been exposed to HIV, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) must be started within 72 hours to prevent infection. For those already living with HIV, taking antiretroviral therapy as prescribed prevents progression to AIDS and eliminates the risk of transmitting the virus to others.

Question 11

What can I do at home to support my health with chronic HIV infection?

Accepted Answer

While medication is essential, you can support your health at home by maintaining a nutrient-rich diet with plenty of protein, fruits, and vegetables to support immune function, getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night, exercising regularly to maintain strength and reduce stress, avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption, managing stress through meditation or counseling, and staying up to date with vaccinations like flu and pneumonia shots. Take your antiretroviral medications exactly as prescribed without missing doses, attend all medical appointments for viral load and CD4 monitoring, and promptly report any new symptoms or infections to your healthcare provider.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Chronic HIV Infection Blood Test

What is Chronic HIV infection?

What causes chronic HIV infection?

What is the best test for chronic HIV infection?

When should I get tested for chronic HIV infection?

References

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