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HIV testing

Overview

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing determines whether you're infected with HIV, a virus that weakens your immune system and can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Some HIV tests check for antibodies that your immune system produces in reaction to HIV infection. Other HIV tests look for evidence of the virus itself. Rapid tests can produce results within 20 minutes.

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Why it's done
Jan. 21, 2017
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References
  1. HIV test types. AIDS.gov. https://www.aids.gov/hiv-aids-basics/prevention/hiv-testing/hiv-test-types/. Accessed Jan. 2, 2017.
  2. Laboratory testing for the diagnosis of HIV infection: Updated recommendations. National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/testing/laboratorytests.html. Accessed Jan. 2, 2017.
  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, et al. Revised recommendations for HIV testing of adults, adolescents, and pregnant women in health-care settings. MMWR. 2006;55:1. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5514a1.htm. Accessed Jan. 2, 2017.
  4. HIV overview. National Institutes of Health. https://aidsinfo.nih.gov/education-materials/fact-sheets/19/45/hiv-aids--the-basics. Accessed Jan. 2, 2017.
  5. Bartlett JG. Screening and diagnostic testing for HIV infection. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Jan. 2, 2017.
  6. HIV infection and AIDS. American Association for Clinical Chemistry. https://labtestsonline.org/understanding/conditions/hiv/. Accessed Jan. 2, 2017.
  7. HIV antibody and HIV antigen (p24). American Association for Clinical Chemistry. https://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/hiv-antibody/tab/test/. Accessed Jan. 2, 2017.
  8. HIV/AIDS: Testing. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/testing.html. Accessed Jan. 2, 2017.

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HIV testing

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