Contents
HIV test
Definition of HIV (AIDS)
Le HIV ou the human immunodeficiency virus is a virus that weakens the immune system and can cause many complications, including AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), which can be fatal, if left untreated. It is a virus that is transmitted sexually and through the blood, as well as during childbirth or breastfeeding between an infected mother and her child.
According to the World Health Organization, 35 million people worldwide are living with HIV, and about 0,8% of people aged 15 to 49 are infected.
The prevalence varies greatly between countries. In France, it is estimated that there are 7000 to 8000 new infections each year, and that 30 people are HIV-positive without knowing it. In Canada, the situation is similar: a quarter of people living with HIV do not know they have it.
Why get tested for HIV?
More I’infection is detected and treated early, the better the chances of survival and the better the quality of life. Although there is no cure for the infection, there are many drugs that can stop the multiplication of the infection. virus in the body and prevent the onset of the stage AIDS.
It is therefore recommended that the entire adult population be screened regularly for HIV. Testing can be done at any time on a voluntary basis. Many centers and associations offer it free of charge (anonymous and free screening centers or CDAGs in France, any doctor or even at home, etc.).
It can be requested in particular:
- after unprotected sex or if the condom breaks
- in a stable couple, to stop using the condom
- in case of desire for a child or a confirmed pregnancy
- after sharing a syringe
- after an occupational accident of exposure to blood
- if you have symptoms suggestive of HIV infection or a diagnosis of another sexually transmitted infection (for example hepatitis C)
In France, the Haute Autorité de Santé recommends that doctors offer the screening test to all people aged 15 to 70 when using the healthcare system, apart from identified risk taking. In fact, this screening is rarely offered.
In addition, screening should be annual or regular in the populations most at risk of contracting the virus, namely:
- men who have sex with men
- heterosexual people who have had more than one sexual partner in the past 12 months
- the populations of the French departments of America (Antilles, Guyana).
- injecting drug users
- people from a high prevalence area, especially sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean
- people in prostitution
- people whose sexual partners are infected with HIV
It is also carried out at the time of the 1st consultation in any pregnant woman, as part of the biological assessment carried out systematically.
Warning: After taking a risk, the test will not be reliable for a few weeks, because the virus may be present but still undetectable. It is possible, when less than 48 hours have elapsed since taking the risk, to benefit from a so-called “post-exposure” treatment which can prevent infection. It can be delivered to the emergency room of any hospital.
What results can you expect from an HIV test?
There are several tests available to detect HIV infection:
- by blood test in a medical laboratory: the test is based on the detection in the blood of anti-HIV antibodies, by a method called Elisa de 4e generation. The results are obtained in 1 to 3 days. A negative test indicates that the person is not infected if they have not taken a risk in the last 6 weeks before taking the test. This is the most reliable benchmark test.
- by diagnostic-oriented rapid screening test (TROD): this quick test gives a result in 30 minutes. It is quick and simple, most often done with a drop of blood on your fingertip, or with saliva. A negative result cannot be interpreted in the event of risk taking less than 3 months. In the event of a positive result, a conventional Elisa-type test is required to confirm.
- Par autotest : these tests are similar to rapid tests and are intended for use at home
What results can you expect from an HIV test?
A person can be considered uninfected with HIV if:
- the Elisa screening test is negative six weeks after taking the risk
- the rapid screening test is negative 3 months after taking the risk
If the test is positive, it means the person is HIV positive, infected with HIV.
Management will then be offered, most often based on a cocktail of anti-retroviral drugs intended to limit the multiplication of the virus in the body.
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