Question 1

What is HIV Infection?

Accepted Answer

HIV infection is a viral disease that attacks the immune system by destroying CD4 T cells, weakening the body's ability to fight infections. It is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which is transmitted through blood, sexual contact, or from mother to child during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The HIV 1/2 Antigen and Antibodies Fourth Generation test is the most important test for diagnosis because it detects both HIV antigens and antibodies earlier than previous methods.

Question 2

What causes HIV infection?

Accepted Answer

HIV infection is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which attacks and destroys CD4 T cells that help your immune system fight off infections. The virus spreads through direct contact with certain body fluids from an infected person, including blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk. The most common ways HIV spreads are through unprotected sex with an infected partner, sharing needles or syringes with someone who has HIV, and from mother to baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

Question 3

What is the best test for HIV infection?

Accepted Answer

The HIV 1/2 Antigen and Antibodies Fourth Generation test is the most important test for HIV infection because it detects both HIV antigens (specifically the p24 antigen) and antibodies to both HIV-1 and HIV-2 strains. This combination allows the test to identify infections much earlier than older antibody-only tests, typically within 2-4 weeks of exposure compared to 3 months with previous methods. The fourth-generation test is considered the gold standard for HIV screening because it catches infections during the early acute phase when the virus is actively multiplying and the p24 antigen is present, even before your body has produced detectable antibodies.

Question 4

When should I get tested for HIV infection?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you have had unprotected sex with someone whose HIV status you do not know, shared needles or drug equipment, been diagnosed with another sexually transmitted infection, or been exposed to HIV through a needlestick injury or sexual assault. Healthcare providers also recommend annual testing if you are sexually active with multiple partners or have a partner who is HIV-positive. If you suspect a recent exposure, testing 2-4 weeks after the incident with a fourth-generation test can detect infection earlier, though follow-up testing may be recommended to account for the window period.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of HIV infection?

Accepted Answer

Many people with HIV experience flu-like symptoms 2-4 weeks after infection, including fever, chills, night sweats, muscle aches, sore throat, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and rash. These early symptoms are called acute retroviral syndrome and usually last a few weeks before disappearing. After this initial phase, HIV may not cause any symptoms for years while it silently damages the immune system. Without treatment, HIV eventually progresses to AIDS, causing severe weight loss, chronic diarrhea, recurring fever, persistent infections, and certain cancers.

Question 6

Who is at risk for HIV infection?

Accepted Answer

Anyone can get HIV, but certain groups face higher risk, including men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs and share needles, individuals with multiple sexual partners or who have unprotected sex, and people with other sexually transmitted infections. Healthcare workers exposed to needlestick injuries, babies born to HIV-positive mothers who did not receive treatment, and people who received blood transfusions before 1985 also have increased risk. Having a sexual partner who is HIV-positive and not taking medication to suppress the virus significantly increases your chances of infection.

Question 7

What happens if HIV infection is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated HIV progressively destroys your immune system, typically advancing to AIDS within 10 years, though this timeline varies. As your CD4 cell count drops below 200 cells per cubic millimeter, you become vulnerable to opportunistic infections like pneumonia, tuberculosis, toxoplasmosis, and fungal infections that healthy immune systems normally fight off. AIDS also increases the risk of certain cancers including Kaposi sarcoma and lymphomas. Without treatment, people with AIDS typically survive only about three years, but early detection and consistent antiretroviral therapy can prevent progression and allow people with HIV to live normal lifespans.

Question 8

Can HIV infection be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, HIV infection is primarily diagnosed through blood tests that detect either HIV antigens, HIV antibodies, or both. The fourth-generation blood test is the most accurate method because it identifies both the p24 antigen and antibodies to HIV-1 and HIV-2, allowing detection as early as 2-4 weeks after exposure. Rapid HIV tests using blood from a finger prick can provide results in 20 minutes, though positive results should be confirmed with a standard laboratory blood test. HIV testing is the only reliable way to know your status since many people have no symptoms for years after infection.

Question 9

How is HIV infection treated?

Accepted Answer

HIV infection is treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART), a combination of medications that suppress the virus and prevent it from multiplying in your body. ART typically involves taking a combination of three or more drugs from different classes daily, which can reduce the viral load to undetectable levels, preserve immune function, and prevent transmission to others. Modern HIV treatment allows people to live long, healthy lives with normal life expectancies when started early and taken consistently. Treatment also includes regular monitoring of CD4 counts and viral load, preventive medications for opportunistic infections, and management of any side effects or related health conditions.

Question 10

How can I prevent HIV infection?

Accepted Answer

You can prevent HIV infection by using condoms correctly every time you have sex, limiting your number of sexual partners, and avoiding sharing needles or drug equipment. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a daily medication that reduces the risk of HIV infection by more than 90% for people at high risk. If you have been exposed to HIV, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) must be started within 72 hours to prevent infection. Getting tested regularly for HIV and other STIs, treating other sexually transmitted infections promptly, and choosing less risky sexual behaviors also significantly reduce your risk of contracting HIV.

Question 11

What can I do at home for HIV infection?

Accepted Answer

While HIV requires medical treatment with antiretroviral therapy, you can support your health at home by taking your medications exactly as prescribed without missing doses, eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, and getting adequate sleep to support immune function. Regular exercise, stress management through meditation or yoga, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol help maintain overall health. Staying connected with your healthcare team, joining support groups, and educating yourself about HIV can improve mental well-being and treatment adherence. Home HIV test kits are also available for convenient screening, though positive results should be confirmed with laboratory testing.

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.

HIV Infection Blood Test

What is HIV Infection?

What causes HIV infection?

What is the best test for HIV infection?

When should I get tested for HIV infection?

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