HIV Screening Test: Cost, Types and Results
An HIV test examines a blood sample to determine whether people have HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). HIV is a virus that affects and destroys immune system cells, which protect the body against pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The body will struggle to fight infections and other disorders if it loses too many immune cells.
HIV is a virus that spreads through contact with infected blood or body fluids. This can occur during physical activity or when sharing needles or other drug-injecting equipment. If HIV is not treated, it can progressively impair the immune system, leading to the development of AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). AIDS is the final and most severe stage of an HIV infection and makes it difficult for the body to fight off infections from opportunistic germs that would not typically be harmful to healthy individuals. This can result in life-threatening illnesses and an increased risk of certain cancers.
However, not everyone who contracts HIV will develop AIDS. Getting tested for HIV early is essential, as it enables early detection and treatment, leading to better health outcomes and reducing the risk of HIV transmission to others.
HIV Test Cost in India
The price of an HIV test in India generally lies between ₹500 to ₹2,000 but it may vary based on the type of test (rapid or lab-based), healthcare facility and area. Other, more advanced tests like the HIV PCR test or an HIV RNA test can be pricier. Note: Prices may vary from clinic or diagnostic center to others so it is better to check with respective centers for better accuracy. A test can also be covered by the health insurance if it is medically essential.
What is it Used for ?
One can find out if an individual has HIV by taking an HIV screening test. To determine if you were HIV-positive, a routine test may be conducted or after a possible exposure.
If HIV is detected early, one can take medications to protect the health and prevent AIDS. And medications can help prevent HIV transmission to others.
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Why do I Need an HIV Test?
- Have anal or vaginal intercourse with an individual who is HIV positive or whose HIV status is unknown.
- Shared needles, syringes, or other drug-related materials when injecting substances.
- Have an STI like syphilis that was transmitted sexually.
- Had intercourse with someone who has done anything listed above.
You should get tested for HIV at least once a year if you routinely engage in any of the activities mentioned above. Depending on their risk, some individuals, especially men who have sex with men (MSM), may benefit from more repeated testing. Find out how frequently you should get tested by the health provider.
The doctor may request an HIV test if you are pregnant. This is due to the fact that HIV can be transmitted to the baby throughout pregnancy, birth, and through breast milk. Individuals can take medications during pregnancy and delivery to lower the risk of transmitting HIV to the baby.
Types of HIV Screening Tests
There are different types of HIV screening tests that are used to find out if a person has HIV in their body:
- Antibody Tests: These are the most frequent tests for antibodies made by the body after HIV infection. They include the rapid HIV test and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
- Antigen/Antibody Tests: These tests identify HIV substances, both contained in the blood (HIV antibodies) or an HIV p24 antigen, which can be detected soon after infection. They are usually performed at a lab.
- Nucleic Acid Tests (NATs): These tests can find the virus by looking for its genetic material in your bloodstream. They are used in very critical cases or when the results of other tests are ambiguous.
- Home HIV Tests: These are tests you take at home after collecting a sample of saliva or blood. They can sometimes give quick results, while others should be sent to a lab for testing.
For HIV tests, the window period to detect varied. An antibody test is typically opted for due to its higher rate of diagnosis compared to antigen-antibody and NATs, which are used in confirmation and early detection, respectively.
What Happens During an HIV Test Procedure?
An HIV test involves the collection of a blood or oral fluid sample by a healthcare provider. Here’s what happens:
- Sample: For blood tests, a needle is inserted into a vein, usually in your arm. An oral test involves rubbing a cotton swab inside your mouth to collect saliva.
- Testing: Perform an HIV test that tests the sample for either HIV antibodies or antigens, which signal active virus. Lab tests take a few days, while rapid tests give results in minutes.
- Results: If you receive a negative result, it indicates that you are not infected. If positive, a confirmatory test is performed to validate that result.
It is a simple, confidential, and rapid test that enables the detection of HIV infection in its early stage, allowing for treatment and prevention.
How do I Prepare for the Test?
Preparing for an HIV test is relatively simple. No special arrangements are necessary. If you are undergoing an HIV test at a health clinic or community program, a counsellor may discuss the risk factors for contracting HIV. Therefore, preparing a list of any questions you may have beforehand may be helpful.
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Are there any Risks to the Test?
Having an HIV screening test poses relatively little risk. If you have blood drawn from a vein, one may experience some pain or bruising at the site where the needle was inserted, although most symptoms go away quickly.
Results of HIV Screening Test
A negative HIV test result indicates that no signs of HIV infection were detected in the sample submitted. However, a negative result does not always guarantee that you are free from HIV. It is possible to have an HIV infection, but it may be too early for the test to detect it. In such cases, a subsequent test may be required, and the healthcare provider or an HIV counsellor can provide you with more information regarding the test results and whether you need to take another test.
A positive test result indicates that the sample included symptoms of HIV infection. Unless you received a NAT test, you would require a follow-up test to confirm an HIV diagnosis.
- If you took the test at a medical office or community program, the testing facility would schedule the follow-up test if required.
Even if you are still healthy, it is critical to begin antiretroviral therapy (ART). ART cannot cure HIV, but treatment can reduce the level of the virus in the blood to the point where a test cannot detect it. If you have HIV, you should see a healthcare provider on a regular basis for testing.
