How Are Individuals Screened Or Tested For HIV/AIDS

Here's a taste of what TheBody.com has to offer on this topic:

Get the Facts

HIV Testing

What Is HIV Testing? HIV testing tells you if you are infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) which causes AIDS. Most of these tests look for "antibodies" to HIV. Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system to fight a specific germ. Newer HIV tests look for signs that the virus itself is in the blood. People who already know they are infected with HIV might get other "HIV" tests. These measure how quickly the virus is...

Ask the Experts

hiv mpx test TaqScreenMPX (Taq SCREEN MPX for HIV, 2010)

dr bob, . i just came from chicago and took the hiv mpx test. so i will let you know the result when i get them in . i hope your fine and doing well. thanks jon...

Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.

The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation

Hi jon,Care to make a wager on the result? I continue to look forward to the day that you accept the truly wonderful news of your definitive HIV-negative status. Your WOO-HOO is way, way, way overdue!Regarding theTaqScreenMPX, see below.Be well... Read more »

I BEG on my KNEES and ask your help...Will donate $50 and need your opinion on Reliability of Tridot (screen test) done in Mumbai, India. (PCR TESTS SHOULD NOT BE USED FOR ROUTINE HIV SCREENING, 2009

Dear Doctor, I have already written to you for about 5 times and will keep doing till I get your opinion on my questions please Doc......I am 27 years old guy from India and will definately donate $50...this is the max that I can afford. Comming on...

Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.

The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation

Hello,1.Yes, I would consider negative HIV-antibody tests at weeks 14 and 18 to be definitive. Certainly if you remain worried, the option for a six-month repeat test is always open to you.2.See above. HIV-antibody tests remain the best and most... Read more »

HIV screening for donating blood (BLOOD DONATION, FALSE POSITIVE TEST 2009)

Dr. Bob, My sister recently tried to donate blood and was denied. She recieved a letter stating that she was HIV positive. How accurate are the tests that the Red Cross performs? She is getting an HIV test but I would like to know what the...

Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.

The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation

Hi,The purpose of HIV screening at blood donation sites is to protect the blood supply, not to diagnose HIV disease. The tests run at blood donation centers are very sensitive so that they won't miss any true infections. In the process they... Read more »

Do Insurance Companies perform HIV tests for individual policies?

Does insurance companies (specifically BSBS) perform HIV blood tests when a person tries to enroll for an individual health plan? If so will they, let you know of the results of this test in a rejection letter?Thanks for any information....

Response from Lynn L. Franzoi

Worldwide Benefits for Fox, Inc.

For individual policies, the insurance company has you complete an application whcih includes a medical questionnaire. You can go to a BC or BS website to see the application. Typically, the applications for an individual policy will include a... Read more »

Go to Ask the Experts »

Connect With Others

CALLING ALL HIV-EDUCATED INDIVIDUALS

Posted by NW715, 1 Reply

To all those who are truly educated on the topic of hiv:
I have called numerous infectious disease offices and not one nurse can answer my question! I have attempted to research the topic, but have come up with minimal answers.

Can someone please... Read more »

Insurance for Maryland Individuals with AIDS/HIV

Posted by Anonymous, 1 Reply

It is tough to find an insurance company that will insure a person with tough health issues.

I represent a company that will insure without asking any embarrassing medical questions.

The insurance is available for individuals aged 40 - 80 in the... Read more »

Looking for HIV positive/AIDS individuals to model

Posted by Anonymous, 2 Replies

I'm a photography student located on Long Island, in NY. I'm doing an editorial project on individuals living with HIV/AIDS. I would like to compassionately photograph you in your natural environment, as well as possibly in the studio. I... Read more »

Screening and window period

Posted by Anonymous, 2 Replies

Accuracy of Screening Tests

The initial screening test to detect antibodies to HIV is the enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Commercially available EIAs use antigens from whole disrupted virus (first generation), recombinant viral proteins (second... Read more »

Connect on Our Bulletin Boards »

Tools

My Health Tracker

Assess Your Risk for HIV

Find Local HIV/AIDS Services

Resource Centers

Guides for People With HIV

View All of Our Guides >>