Understanding Your HIV Test Results: A Comprehensive Guide

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is transmitted through blood after contact with an infected person or contaminated needle, and it is the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). When the virus enters your body, your immune system responds by producing antibodies against it. Laboratory testing for HIV antibody is generally the method doctors use to diagnose HIV.

Instructions

• 1

  Search your laboratory report for the test HIV antibody. Look for the terms "negative" or "undetected", "positive" or "detected." An undetected antibody (negative result) means that the disease is not present at the time of testing. A positive antibody result warrants further testing.

• 2

  Know that it takes the virus three to eight weeks after exposure to show in laboratory testing. Repeat testing three to six months after an initial screening is common among individuals at high risk of contracting HIV or those who believe they have been exposed.

• 3

  Realize that the laboratory confirms every positive screening for HIV antibody using a method called "Western blot," which tests for the presence of HIV proteins. A positive HIV screening and "Western blot" diagnose HIV infection.