Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Test
HIV Test
Why It Is Done
A test for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is done to:
- Detect an HIV infection. Testing is often done for people with risk factors for HIV infection and people who have symptoms of an HIV infection.
- Screen blood, blood products, and organ donors, to prevent the spread of HIV.
- Screen pregnant women for HIV infection. The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends all pregnant women be screened. Pregnant women who are infected with HIV and receive treatment are less likely to pass the infection on to their babies than are women who do not receive treatment.
- Find out if a baby born to an HIV-positive woman also is infected with HIV. PCR is often done in this case because the baby may get antibodies against HIV from the mother and yet not be infected.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend HIV screening as part of routine blood testing. You and your doctor can decide if testing is right for you.
This test is not done to determine if a person has AIDS. A diagnosis of AIDS means a person is HIV-positive and other problems are present.
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| Author: | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS | Last Updated: February 17, 2009 |
| Medical Review: | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Peter Shalit, MD, PhD - Internal Medicine | |
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| Topic Contents | |
| Test Overview | |
 | Why It Is Done |
| How To Prepare | |
| How It Is Done | |
| How It Feels | |
| Risks | |
| Results | |
| What Affects the Test | |
| What To Think About | |
| References | |
| Credits | |