Self-testing for HIV entails collecting your samples (blood) and administering a quick HIV test kit Singapore. You complete the entire test, including reading and evaluating the results. It is not the same as HIV self-sampling. Self-sampling involves collecting your blood and sending it to a lab for analysis.
HIV testing, also known as HIV screening, is a way to determine whether you have the infection. There are various types of tests. Examine your fluid or blood to see if you are contaminated. Most cannot detect HIV immediately since it takes a while for your body to develop antibodies or for a sufficient virus to grow within you.
What Is The Significance Of HIV Testing?
People between the age of thirteen and 64 should be tested for STDs minimum first as a part of routine health care, according to the CDC. People who are at a higher infection risk should undergo more frequent testing. When people are aware of their HIV testing, they have valuable knowledge at their disposal to help them care for themselves.
These drugs do not treat HIV, but they can help patients live longer, healthier lifestyles and minimize the risk of spreading it to others.
Various HIV Kit Tests
The most recent self-testing and home testing news and research Self-tests are typically modified versions of fast, point-of-care test kits intended for healthcare professionals. Their processes, packing, and instructions help you navigate the processes of taking a test.
- Screening tests for antibodies
These tests look for a protein that the body produces during 2 to 8 weeks of being infected with HIV. They are also known as immunoassay testing or ELISA tests. In general, they are very accurate.
These blood and saliva tests can answer in half an hour or less.
- Antibody/antigen interaction testing
They are more sensitive than antibody testing methods in detecting HIV. They look for HIV antigen, a protein in p24, found in the virus and appears between two and four weeks after infection. They also test HIV antibodies.
- Home testing kits
Kits for testing your fluid or blood are available.
- Nucleic acid testing (NAT)
Doctors refer to it as the RNA test. It searches for the infection and can detect HIV roughly ten days after exposure. Because it is costly, it is generally not the initial choice. However, if you are at significant risk and have common cold conditions, your doctor can advise you to take it.
A positive test outcome indicates that you have HIV in the body. If you have a quick test, validate it with a conventional lab test. For a lab test, blood testing can help verify your diagnosis.