AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is a disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This virus attacks the body's immune system and reduces its ability to fight infections and diseases. Conducting HIV diagnostic tests plays a key role in timely detection of infection, initiation of treatment and prevention of transmission of the virus to others. In this article, we will do a comprehensive review of AIDS and the types of tests related to it. What is AIDS? AIDS or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome is an advanced stage of HIV infection in which the body's immune system is severely damaged and the person becomes susceptible to opportunistic infections and some cancers. ### Stages of HIV infection: 1. **Acute HIV infection**: Weeks after entering the virus, some people experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, itchy skin, and lymphadenopathy. 2. Latent period (chronic): may last for years (on average 8 years) and is usually asymptomatic. 3. **AIDS (advanced stage)**: Occurs when the number of CD4+ T cells reaches less than 200 cells per microliter of blood. The importance of HIV testing Taking an HIV test is the only sure way to diagnose infection, as many people have no symptoms in the early stages. Early detection allows you to: - Start antiretroviral therapy (ART) faster - Prevent progression to AIDS - Reduce the possibility of transmitting the virus to others Types of HIV tests ### 1. Nucleic acid tests (NAT) **What is it?** This test, also known as RNA test, detects the HIV virus itself in the blood - **Diagnosis time**: 10-33 days after exposure. - **advantages**: the fastest detection method, suitable for recent exposure cases. - **Disadvantages**: Expensive and usually not used for general screening. ### 2. Antigen/antibody test - **What is it?** It detects both the p24 antigen (part of the virus) and the antibodies produced by the body. - **Diagnosis time**: - Venous blood test: 18-45 days after exposure - Finger blood test: 18-90 days after exposure - **advantages**: high accuracy, standard method in many laboratories. ### 3. Antibody test - **What is it?** It only detects antibodies produced against HIV - **Diagnosis time**: 23-90 days after exposure - **Types**: - Fast tests (results in 20-30 minutes) - Home tests (such as OraQuick) - **advantages**: simple, cheap and available. Other tests related to HIV ### Viral load test (HIV Viral Load Test) - It measures the amount of HIV virus in the blood. - Used more for monitoring response to treatment than for initial diagnosis. ### CD4 cell count test - It measures the number of CD4+ T cells, which indicates the state of the immune system. - It is important to determine the progress of the disease and the time to start treatment The right time to take an HIV test The window period refers to the time interval between exposure to HIV and the time when the test can detect the infection. The right time for the test depends on the type of test: **After high-risk exposure**: at least 18-45 days for antigen/antibody testing - **For more certainty**: Repeating the test after 3 months is recommended **In pregnancy**: It is necessary to perform the test in the first trimester of pregnancy - Interpretation of test results - **Negative result**: If it is not in the window period, it means no infection. **Positive result**: requires a confirmatory test (usually Western blot test). - **Uncertain result**: It may be necessary to repeat the test after a few weeks Who should be tested? - All people aged 13-64 at least once in their lifetime - People with risky behaviors (every 3-6 months): - Unprotected sex - Shared use of syringes - Diagnosis of other sexually transmitted infections - Pregnant women - Rape victims HIV test in routine checkup HIV testing is not usually included in general checkups and must be requested separately . If you want to be tested for HIV, you must explicitly request a test from your doctor. prevention and treatment - **Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)**: for high-risk individuals who are HIV negative - **Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)**: up to 72 hours after possible exposure - **Antiviral therapy (ART)**: control infection and prevent progression to AIDS Summary HIV testing is an important step in personal and public health care. Due to advances in treatment, early detection of HIV allows people to live long and healthy lives. If you are at risk or concerned about your condition, consult a doctor and get tested as soon as possible.

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