HIV is considered to be one of the deadliest diseases and HIV infection is also a transmissive disease. It is necessary to detect the presence of HIV in an individual and take necessary medical actions as soon as possible before the disease turns severe. The main objective of performing a HIV - Western Blot test is to confirm a positive diagnosis of HIV. Through this test, specific proteins that indicate the presence of HIV infection is detected in the blood sample. People who get involved in unprotected sexual activities as well as people who are having a habit of sharing needles or having any other sexually transmitted disease should go for this test.
When to go for this test?
If a person has been exposed to HIV, then the doctors may suggest to go for a HIV - Western Blot test.
Test preparations
No specific preparations are required to be taken before appearing for this test. However, you must have a consultation with the pathologists about the necessary guidelines that should be followed during or after the test. Knowingly, a HIV - Western Blot test price has become truly reasonable these days.
Sample requirements
A specific amount of blood will be collected from your vein and necessary tests will be performed on that particular blood sample. Do not forget to inform the medical experts and seek medical attention immediately if you face any kind of sickness after the blood collection process is done.
Result interpretation
It will be either a positive or a negative test report. A positive result signifies the presence of HIV in your body. If you have received a positive test report, don’t delay to consult a genuine and reliable doctor for the purpose of getting necessary treatments and medications as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
What is HIV?
HIV or Human Immunodeficiency Virus is a particular type of virus that causes the deadly disease named AIDS.
How does HIV transmit?
The most common HIV transmission causes include needle sharing, exposure to blood and other body fluid or sexual intercourse with any individual who is carrying the seed of this infection in the body.
What is the cure for HIV?
No remedies have been introduced so far that can cure HIV. This is an incurable infection.
How to avoid getting infected?
Always use protection during physical intercourse. Also, stay away from drug abuse as that can keep you away from sharing needles.
What are the symptoms of HIV infection?
Most common HIV infection symptoms may include fatigue, fever, chills, rash, night sweats, watery diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, difficulty to swallow, white tongue, red blotches, malaise, loss of appetite, weight loss etc.
What happens when someone gets infected with HIV?
When someone gets HIV, the body’s natural immune system starts to get weaker and you start getting more vulnerable to diseases and infections.
What to do after you get a positive result for an HIV test?
Nowadays, medical science has developed a lot. So if you keep taking necessary medications till the end and stay away from bad lifestyle habits then it may be possible for you to live a healthy life. Infected people who take medications and tests in a proper manner can expect to live as long as the non-infected ones these days.
Is it necessary to get my sexual partner tested also?
It would be a wise decision because the test only examines your body and looks for the presence of the disease in your body. Even if you get a negative test report, your partner may still have the seed of this disease in the body.
Does HIV get transmitted through saliva?
No, HIV does not get transmitted through sweat, saliva or tears.