National STD Testing

HIV is a virus that attacks and breaks down the human body's immune system, which is the internal defense force that fights off infections and disease. Most people have few, if any, symptoms for several years after they have contracted the virus. Even if there are no symptoms present, once HIV gets into the body it can do serious damage to the immune system. People who appear perfectly healthy may have the virus without knowing it and pass it on to others. The only way to know if you are infected is to be tested for HIV infection.

Who should be tested for HIV?
It is recommended that people who engage in risky behaviors such as unprotected sex or needle-sharing and all pregnant women be tested for HIV infection.

How is the HIV virus spread?
HIV is spread most commonly by sexual contact with an infected partner. The virus can enter the body through the lining of the vagina, penis, rectum, or mouth during sexual relations. HIV can spread from direct contact with infected blood. Women can transmit HIV to their fetuses during pregnancy or birth. Approximately one-quarter to one-third of all untreated pregnant women infected with HIV will pass the infection to their babies.

What are the signs of HIV symptoms?
The following may be warning signs of an HIV infection:

Rapid, unexplained, weight loss

Dry cough

Recurring fever or profuse night sweats

Profound and unexplained fatigue

Swollen lymph glands in the armpits, groin or neck

Diarrhea that lasts more than a week

White spots or unusual blemishes on the tongue,in the mouth, or in the throat

Pneumonia

blotches on or under the skin or inside the mouth, nose or eyelids

Memory loss, depression and other neurological disorders

What test do you recommend?
HIV/EIA (Elisa)
The EIA is the standard qualitative test used to assess HIV Status. The enzyme immunoassay (EIA) test detects the presence of the antibodies that the immune system produces in response to an HIV infection. EIA is not always effective immediately following contact with the HIV virus because it takes time for the body to produce detectable levels of the HIV antibody. Please call one of our trained counselors or nurses for more information on the EIA "window period". The HIV testing window period is extremely important for accurate test results.

HIV DNA by PCR Testing
The HIV DNA PCR: The HIV Proviral DNA by Polymerase Chain Reaction looks for the genetic material of the virus. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a process that can be used to exponentially multiply minute amounts of DNA. Since its discovery over 20 years ago, the PCR has been used in such diverse fields as zoology, anthropology and criminology. It is used in epidemology to both detect the presence of extremely small amounts of a virus and to monitor the viral load subsequent to infection.