Yes, sex machine does need to be aware of HIV as well. Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing can show you if
you are infected with HIV. This is a virus that weakens the immune system and
can lead to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Some HIV tests include
checking the presence of antibodies produced by the immune system as a response
to HIV infection. Other HIV tests are looking only for the virus. The fastest
tests can provide the first results in half an hour.
Why take
these tests?
Testing is crucial in situations when we want to stop the
spreading of HIV. Many people are not aware that they are infected and they bring
their own and the health of other people in danger. Early detection of HIV can
help AIDS prevention.
HIV testing is very important for pregnant women because
this virus can be transmitted to the baby during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Luckily, there are medications that can lower the risk to a minimum.
Many experts recommend tests for every person aged between
12 and 64. This is the best way to prevent the spread of this vicious virus.
Early testing is recommended for people who belong to certain high risk groups.
People who have: practiced unprotected vaginal, anal and oral sex with
strangers or many partners, practiced homosexual intercourse, drug abusers,
former Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) patients should definitely participate in this testing.
The best thing about these tests is the fact that you don’t
need any special preparation before the test starts. The only thing that you
might need is an appointment.
HIV is diagnosed by testing a sample of blood or saliva. It
can also be tested by using a urine sample but the results are not very
reliable. Unfortunately, the tests are not very accurate right after the
infection occurs because the body needs certain amount of time in order to produce
antibodies that can fight the virus. Many people develop antibodies to HIV
around 3 to 6 months after they get infected.
If the test is positive the test is repeated. This is a
so-called confirmatory test which checks the presence of HIV proteins. The final
diagnosis that can confirm that you are infected with HIV can be obtained after
you have made three tests.
There are several types of HIV tests. The first one is the
so-called fast HIV test. These tests can provide relatively precise information
in around 20 minutes. These tests are looking for antibodies in a sample of
blood taken from a finger or vein. They can also use a sample of saliva. Oral
tests are almost equally accurate as blood tests. If a saliva test shows that
you are infected you will have to take a blood test too.
Home HIV tests are also available. You just need to place a
small drop of blood on the surface of the test and send it in a lab. In few
days you will know if you are infected or not. This test ensures privacy and
anonymity because you will get a code number for your test.
There
are some HIV tests that can detect HIV even before the antibodies become
visible on standard HIV tests. They are looking for proteins or other elements
that can confirm the presence of the virus.
