The HIV 1 and 2 test is performed to detect the presence of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus in a blood sample.
When is the HIV 1 and 2 Test Prescribed?
HIV is a virus that attacks and destroys
The HIV 1 and 2 test is performed to detect the presence of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus in a blood sample.
When is the HIV 1 and 2 Test Prescribed?
HIV is a virus that attacks and destroys immune system cells and in its last stages can even lead to the development of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). When a person starts losing large quantities of cells in their immune system, they cannot fight off the infections and diseases as well as they should, weakening the body’s immune system even further. The final stage of HIV is AIDS, when the immune system is damaged severely, paving the way for more and more severe infections.
There are several risk factors that increase the chance of one being infected with HIV, which may lead a doctor to suggest a regular screening test for HIV 1 and 2. Some of these factors include:
- Having unprotected sex with multiple partners
- Using shared needles
- Having been diagnosed with another STD or STI
Generally, an HIV infection can go undetected for a long time as many people do not develop any symptoms in the initial stages of infection. However, if one displays the following symptoms, they may be prescribed to undergo an HIV 1 & 2 test by their doctor:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Excessive sweating during the night
- Fever
- Constant lethargy
- Swollen lymph nodes
- White spots in the mouth or throat
- Severe diarrhea
- Pneumonia
- Rashes on the skin or in the mouth
- Difficulty in remembering things
- Depression
Other than this, an HIV 1 and HIV 2 test may also be prescribed to pregnant women, as an infected mother can pass on the infection to their unborn baby.
Time Required for HIV 1 and 2 Test Report + Next Steps
Max Lab is a NABL-accredited lab where one can book an HIV 1 and 2 test with ease. We also offer easy at-home sample collection facilities. Reports are generated within 24 hours of sample collection and can either be collected from the lab or downloaded from the website. Once the report is available, it is best to consult a doctor as they will be able to interpret the results properly and suggest a course of treatment or further examination, if required.