HIV: How to test?
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) testing is crucial for detecting the presence of the virus in your body. At the end of year 2021, there were estimated 81,942 people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Malaysia, 67,822 (83%) of whom were aware of their status and had been notified through the national surveillance system.
Nearly 40% of new HIV infections are transmitted by people who don’t know they have the virus. For people with undiagnosed HIV, testing is the first step in maintaining a healthy life and preventing HIV transmission.
Types of HIV Test
There are different types of HIV tests, and the choice of test depends on your preferences, risk factors and the time since potential exposure. Here are the common method of HIV Testing:
1. Antibody Test: these tests look for antibodies that your body produces to fight HIV. Most HIV tests are antibody tests.
- ELISA Test: This is the most common type of antibody test. It screens for HIV antibodies in your blood. If the ELISA test is positive, it’s usually followed by a Western blot test to confirm the results.
- Rapid HIV Test: This is similar to the ELISA test but can provide results within 20 minutes. It’s often used in clinics and community health settings.
- Self Test Kits: SOME HIV tests are available for home use. These tests either require finger pricking or saliva samples.
2. Antigen Test: These tests look for HIV antigens, which are proteins produced by the virus. Antigen tests can detect HIV infection earlier than antibody tests.
- Nucleic Acid Test (NAT): NAT looks for the virus’s genetic material (RNA) in the blood. This test is very sensitive and can detect HIV infection within a few days to a couple of weeks after exposure.
It’s important to note that it can take several weeks (usually 2-4 weeks) after exposure to HIV for the virus to be detectable in the body. This period is known as the “Window Period”. If you suspect recent exposure or are at high risk for HIV, you might need to repeat the test after the window period to ensure accurate results.
HIV Self-Tests
Most people would prefer to test for HIV discreetly. Fortunately, HIV self test kits are now available in Malaysia.
As previously mentioned, there are two types of HIV test kit as of now which are the oral fluid sample test kit and the finger prick blood sample test kit.
The differences are as below:
Which One To Choose?
It’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate test for your situation. Additionally, pre- and post-test counseling is often available at a testing center, which can provide you with valuable information and support related to HIV testing and prevention.
Wish to know more about HIV testing and prevention? Visit your nearest Caring Pharmacy Today!
References:
- Global AIDS Monitoring Report 2022. Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia. [ Cited in November 2023]. URL Available at: https://www.moh.gov.my/moh/resources/Penerbitan/Laporan/Umum/MYS_country_report_2021.pdf
- Types of HIV Tests. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [Cited in November 2023]. URL Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/hiv-testing/test-types.html
- HIV and AIDS. National Institute of Health. [Cited in November 2023]. URL Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hiv-and-aids/diagnosis/
Latest Health Info
Unpacking Lactose Issues: Intolerance, Deficiency, and Malabsorption Explained
Ever wonder why some people, or even yourself, are suffering from lactose intolerance? Lactose, the primary sugar in milk and ...
Detect to Protect: Why Cancer Screening Matters
Cancer is a complex group of diseases characterised by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body. ...
Get Vaccinated: Protecting Lives, One Shot at a Time
Vaccines are among the most powerful tools in medicine, saving millions of lives by preventing serious diseases. From children to ...