Question

What body fluids are used to diagnose HIV?

Answer 1

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV):

1. HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system of the body.
2. HIV harms the immune system of the body by destroying white blood cells called CD4 cells.
3. HIV is diagnosed through blood, saliva, and urine testing.

Diagnostic tests for HIV:

Antibody tests:

1. Antibody tests look for antibodies to HIV in blood or saliva.
2. Most rapid HIV tests, including the self-tests done at home, are antibody tests.
3. Antibody tests can also take 3 to 12 weeks after you are exposed to become positive.
4. Antibody tests are done by testing blood, saliva, and urine.

Blood tests:

1. Blood is drawn from a vein or finger prick for the test.
2. Blood contains more antibodies than any other fluid. Thus, blood tests are more accurate.

Saliva tests:

1. Saliva or mouth fluid is tested for antibodies.
2. Saliva tests are not as precise as blood tests.

Urine tests:

Urine is tested for the antibodies.