HIV Testing Window Period

HIV is short for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. When it infects a person, it takes generally 10 years to develop into AIDS, which is the short for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. HIV/AIDS as you know, is incurable. However, there are anti-HIV drugs available, which although do not cure the disease, but do help in slowing down its progress. So the sooner the treatment is initiated, the more chances are created for managing the symptoms better, and extending the life expectancy of the patient. And for the treatment to begin, HIV testing is what plays a major role of all. After the virus infects the system, it begins to damage the immune system, by destroying its CD4 cells, which happen to be the prime defense mechanisms of the body. The virus sabotages the immune system slowly but systematically. Also, the signs which are exhibited by the infection appear as nothing more than flu-like symptoms. So most people do not even suspect that they might be infected by the HIV, until they start experiencing some severe set of symptoms, which are strong indication of the development of AIDS. And once it sets in, there is very little that can be done to slow it down. So early treatment of HIV, when it is still in its initial stages, helps in delaying its progression to AIDS. That was for the introduction of the importance of HIV testing.

If you suspect that you have been potentially exposed to an HIV infection, then you might want to go for a test immediately. And it is most likely that you get a negative test result. This is where the subject of the HIV testing window period arises. A test done immediately after the infection has been caused, will in most cases, show a negative report. This is because there are no antibodies formed in response to the infection. The body takes about 3 months to do so, and if the test is done after this period, then a true confirmation can be obtained whether you have the virus or not. Thus, the window period to test a HIV infection is of 3 months. In some cases, this may even go up to 6 months. This however occurs in rare cases.

Types of HIV Testing

The types of HIV testing which are put to use for diagnosing the disease include the standard test known as the Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), rapid HIV testing, and testing at home. After the diagnosis is made, doctors perform some more tests to detect the actual stage of the disease. One of these includes determining the number of CD4 cells in the body. A count of 500 - 1000 cells is the measure in a healthy person. But if it is below than 200, then it signals the development of AIDS. As the HIV multiplies in the body, it increases its population. This is known as the viral load. A test to measure this is also included in the HIV testing program. In some people, the strain of HIV somehow develops a resistance against anti-HIV drugs. And a test for this is also put in place.

HIV/AIDS gives rise to several types of complications. So in some cases, doctors may order for additional tests to check for such possibilities. So at any time if you think that you have been potentially exposed to any of the factors which can make you vulnerable to get the infection, do not hesitate to go in for a blood test. For people with less or no health insurance alternative, there are centers which offer free HIV testing. In case you should look for some more info, then your best source for it would be the medical expert.