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Testing for HIV: How does it work?

Testing for HIV: How does it work?

At OneDayClinic, you can get tested for all STIs. For example, we test for chlamydia and gonorrhea, as well as HIV. We regularly get questions about how an HIV test and an HIV infection work. We are happy to explain.


How does an HIV infection work in your body?

If you get infected with HIV, you don't notice it right away. When the virus spreads through your body, you can get some flu-like symptoms. For some people this is already after a few days, for others it is only after several weeks. Your body's immune system will then produce antibodies. The purpose of the antibodies is that they fight the virus. Unfortunately, the antibodies to HIV do not succeed in killing the virus as well. There will be a period in which you have no symptoms, but your immune system will continue to decline and if nothing is done you will eventually get AIDS.


HIV; from fatal AIDS disease to chronic disease

Fortunately, there are AIDS inhibitors. They are now so good that the diagnosis of HIV has changed from the death sentence it used to be into a chronic disease that is very easy to live with. As long as you take your medication. So it's important to get tested if you have been at risk, so that you can get treatment if necessary.

What kind of HIV tests are possible?

The detection of HIV is done by means of a blood test. In the first generation of HIV tests, after about three months of contact, it was possible to determine whether a person had contracted an infection. The antibodies on which these tests work appear late in the blood. When using these tests, it is possible that a person may even turn out to be HIV-positive after six months. Of course, people want to be sure sooner. That is why the development of the HIV tests continues.

The latest generation of HIV tests

Meanwhile, the 4th generation combo test, which looks for the presence of antibodies to HIV-1 and HIV-2** and the presence of p24 antigen (part of HIV-1, found in early infection), is being used. If necessary, the lab also deploys confirmatory testing. This 4th generation HIV test can often become positive as early as between 2 and 6 weeks after infection, but is not at its maximum reliability until 3 months after possible infection (99.9%).

The early detection HIV RNA test

This is an HIV rapid test using a different technique: a PCR test. This looks to see if RNA of HIV-1 is present in the blood; this is genetic material of the virus. Shortly after possible infection, this is the most sensitive and reliable test you can do. Starting 14 days after risk, the HIV-1 RNA test has 96-100% reliability.

What should you do if you have had risky sexual contact with someone who is HIV positive?

If you have had high-risk contact with someone you know is HIV positive and/or if you have symptoms suggestive of an HIV infection you should not wait until those eight weeks. In that case, contact the GGD as soon as possible to discuss starting medication.

HIV testing at OneDayClinic

At OneDayClinic we work with the new fourth generation HIV tests and are the only ones with the HIV RNA rapid test. The HIV rapid test result is available after 90 minutes, after which you will be called with the result. Do you want the results the same day? Make sure your appointment is no later than 2 hours before closing time.

To be fully confident of the test result, there should be six to eight weeks between unprotected contact and the test, or you should do the HIV RNA rapid test where we recommend waiting 2-3 weeks after sexual contact. You can get tested for HIV at our STI clinic Amsterdam, , STI clinic Rotterdam, STI clinic Utrecht, STI clinic The Hague, STI clinic Eindhoven and STI clinic in Nijmegen. Call 085-0703483 for more information or click here to schedule an appointment directly online.

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