Rapid HIV Testing

Experts agree that getting an HIV test is important for everyone. In fact the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) actually has made a recommendation that an HIV test be part of a routine medical physical. There are a couple types of HIV tests.

• The ELISA / Western Blot - The standard screening test for HIV is a blood test known as the enzyme immunoassay (EIA) or ELISA for short. This test requires a blood sample. Typically, the test requires two visits; one to receive pretest counseling and to have the blood drawn and the second to receive test results and post-test counseling medical referrals if the result is positive.

• The Rapid HIV Test - This test allows pretest and post-test counseling, receiving results, and making medical referrals all in one visit. Let's learn more about rapid HIV.

  CDC Testing Guidelines

  Understanding HIV Testing

What is Rapid HIV Testing?

Rapid HIV testing differs from conventional HIV testing in that it allows:

• results of the test to be ready in 5 to 30 minutes
• it allows testing, counseling, and referrals to be done in one visit

What's Are the Advantages of A Rapid HIV Test

There are distinct advantages or rapid tests over conventional tests. They include:

• they are less costly for testing agencies whose budgets are limited
• almost all people tested will get post-test counseling and their results because only one visit is necessary
• because results are delieverd quicker, positive people get into medical care quicker
• by learning of infections earlier, potential exposures that would have occurred between traditional testing and receiving results is reduced
• rapid tests are easier to use
• their results that are as accurate as a traditional Elisa test

Is a Confirmatory Test Required if the Rapid Test is Positive?

As is true of conventional ELISA antibody procedure, a positive rapid HIV test result should be confirmed the Western Blot test.

What is A Western Blot Test?