AIDS Day: AIDS Day is being celebrated all over the world today on 1 December. AIDS i.e. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome is caused by the HIV virus. When a patient infected with HIV virus is not treated for a long time, then the risk of getting AIDS increases. HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. This virus weakens the immunity system of the person due to which the body becomes weak in fighting other diseases. If the HIV virus is treated in time, then the person avoids AIDS. Along with this, the body can also be saved from this virus.
What are the tests to detect HIV
The biggest reason for getting infected with HIV is unprotected sex. In many cases, coming in contact with infected blood also leads to HIV infection. HIV infection can be detected through 5 different tests. Know about them
rapid kit test
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This test gives results in just 15 to 20 minutes. In this, the presence of antibodies in HIV is seen through blood sample.
ELISA or Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent
When HIV infection is confirmed in a person through rapid test, then it is tested by another method which is called ELISA test. It takes 2 to 3 hours for the result to come. Antibodies or antigens in the body are detected with the help of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test
western blot
This test is also done for confirmation. In western blot many HIV specific antigens are absorbed on nitrocellulose paper. The antibody binds to the antigen on the strip and the antigen-antibody complex is detected.
hiv viral load test
When HIV is confirmed in a person, an HIV viral load test is done to measure the amount of HIV in the blood. This test is used to detect early HIV infection and to monitor the progress of treatment. Three types of technology measure the HIV viral load in the blood. It has RT-PCR, bDNA, and Nucleic Acid Sequence-Based Amplification Assay (NASBA). HIV is detected using DNA sequence in all three types of technology.
Cd4 (Cluster of Differential 4)
CD4 cell count is necessary along with viral load test which measures the immunity of the patient. If the CD4 count is less than 500 then patients are likely to develop infection. The higher the CD4 count, the healthier the person. However, even if the number of cd4 is high or low, after being found HIV positive, the treatment of the patient should be started immediately.
When should the test be done
Actually, HIV test should be done after 3 to 4 weeks when a person feels that he has come in contact with the risk. This is because as soon as the HIV virus enters the body, one has to wait for the window period. The window period is the period when HIV infection comes to the surface. If you get the test done before the window period, you will not get accurate results. Whenever you feel that you have been infected with HIV, you should immediately go to the doctor within 72 hours. The doctor will be able to guide you well regarding further tests.
how much does it cost
If you get HIV test done in government hospitals then it is completely free. On the other hand, if you get this test done in private hospitals, then its cost is between Rs.1200 to Rs.1500. Although it also depends on the test, which test you are getting done. If you get viral load and cd4 count test done then you have to pay 3000 to 5000 rupees.
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