How do I read my HIV results?

Results from laboratory tests are given as negative, positive or indeterminate. Negative or non-reactive means you are HIV negative. You do not have HIV (based on the window period and no recent risks). Positive or reactive means the test shows you are HIV positive and you have HIV infection.

Which DNA is present in HIV?

HIV is a retrovirus, which means it carries single-stranded RNA as its genetic material rather than the double-stranded DNA human cells carry. Retroviruses also have the enzyme reverse transcriptase, which allows it to copy RNA into DNA and use that DNA “copy” to infect human, or host, cells.

Does HIV stay in DNA?

During the HIV replication process, the virus’ genetic material (stored within the virus as RNA) is integrated into the DNA of the infected cell. Effective antiretroviral therapy does not eliminate this HIV DNA, also called proviral DNA.

How accurate is HIV DNA test?

HIV tests are between 99% and 100% reliable. Newer, so-called combination or fourth generation tests and other lab-based tests are close to 100% accurate.

What if Elisa test is positive?

These tests include: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). This test is usually the first one used to detect infection with HIV. If antibodies to HIV are present (positive), the test is usually repeated to confirm the diagnosis.

Is Elisa a 4th generation test?

The fourth generation HIV test, also called an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test, is a more complete screening that can identify acute HIV. This is the time when the virus is multiplying rapidly and you’re more likely to pass the infection.

Is Eclia a 4th generation test?

Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay (ECLIA) on the Roche Cobas e411: This is a 4th generation test detecting HIV p24 antigen and antibodies to HIV type 1 (HIV-1 group M and group O) and/or type 2 (HIV-2).

What happens when viral load is zero?

Having an undetectable viral load does mean that there is not enough HIV in your body fluids to pass HIV on during sex. In other words, you are not infectious. For as long as your viral load stays undetectable, your chance of passing on HIV to a sexual partner is zero.

What does it mean if the viral load is 20?

When a person has very little virus, they are said to have an ‘undetectable’ viral load. Viral load is measured in units called ‘copies’. The standard blood tests used in UK clinics can measure viral load down to 20 or 50 copies per millilitre of blood. Anything less than this is called ‘undetectable’.

Is hiv1 curable?

While there’s no cure for HIV-1, receiving prompt antiretroviral therapy can reduce the virus to undetectable levels and prevent damage to the immune system.

Can a DNA assay be used to detect HIV-1?

This assay is optimized for the detection of HIV-1 groups M (subtypes A to H), N and O, but it may not detect all HIV-1 group N or O strains. Diagnosis of HIV-1 infection should not rely solely upon a “Detected” result for HIV-1 DNA and/or RNA.

How is the DNA of HIV provirus generated?

The genome of the HIV provirus (see 1.1.3), also known as proviral DNA, is generated by the reverse transcription of the viral RNA genome into DNA, degradation of the RNA and integration of the double-stranded HIV DNA into the human genome. The DNA genome is flanked at both ends by LTR (long terminal repeat) sequences (fig. (fig.1).1).

How is PCR used to detect HIV-1?

HIV-1 DNA and RNA Qualitative Detection by PCR, Plasma Useful For Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful Testing Algorithm Delineates situations when tests are added to the initial order. This includes reflex and additional tests.

How is HIV transcribed from RNA to DNA?

HIV RT transcribes the single-strand HIV RNA genome into DNA (complementary DNA or cDNA). In parallel to DNA synthesis, the RNA strand is degraded enzymatically by RNase H, followed by conversion of single-stranded cDNA into double-stranded DNA (proviral DNA) by the DNA-dependent DNA polymerase activity of RT [ 43 ].