How to Read RNA HIV Test Results
An RNA HIV test is one of the most common ways use to test individuals for HIV. The test is an antibody test that looks for HIV antibodies in an individual's blood cells. When a person is infected with HIV, the virus creates antibodies to prevent the body from recognizing the disease.
How to Read RNA HIV Test Results
An individual that may be infected may not show HIV antibodies for at least three months. To ensure that the results are accurate, testing should be done a few months after possible infection. If an individual feels that they are infected they may be tested sooner, and should refrain from all sexual contact immediately. HIV tests may come up negative, but to ensure accuracy testing should be repeated once every several months. Rapid testing can be performed; however, it is typically only used in countries that have very limited resources.
- To determine if an individual is infected with HIV, a test will need to be performed by a doctor or qualified administrator. Many members of the health field consider this test to be highly inaccurate. The most standard test for HIV is known as an antibody test. HIV antibodies typically show up within six months of infection.
- After visiting a health professional you will be asked to take a blood test. The sample of blood will be tested and analyzed at a lab.
- Generally an appointment will need to be made in advance to find out the results, as many clinics do not take walk-ins.
- After a blood sample is taken, an appointment is made where the results will be read to the individual.
- Have the administrator or doctor explain the results to you even if HIV negative. The reason that the results will need to be explained even if they are negative is that there may still be traces of the virus in the blood.
- It is highly recommended to get tested for the next several months for up to a year to make sure that a negative result is maintained. This is done to not only protect yourself, but future sexual partners as well.