Can a blood test during a physical examination detect HIV/AIDS?

Generally speaking, AIDS is a disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infecting CD4+ T lymphocytes in the human immune system, leading to immune system dysfunction. Whether a blood test during a physical examination can detect AIDS depends on the testing method and the stage of infection. If the physical examination includes HIV antibody testing and the test is conducted 2–6 weeks after infection, AIDS can usually be detected. However, if the physical examination consists only of routine tests and is conducted within 2–6 weeks after infection, AIDS cannot be directly detected. If you experience any discomfort, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Detailed explanation is as follows:

After the virus enters the body, the amount of early-produced viral antibodies in the blood may be too low to reach the detection threshold of the test, which may result in a false-negative result. This period is known as the "window period" of AIDS, which typically lasts 2–6 weeks. Therefore, if the blood test during a physical examination includes HIV antibody testing or nucleic acid testing, and is conducted after the window period (2–6 weeks post-infection), AIDS can generally be detected.

However, if the physical examination does not include HIV antibody testing or nucleic acid testing, but only includes routine biochemical or blood tests, and the test is conducted within the window period (the early stage of infection), the disease cannot be directly detected. Moreover, even if the testing does include HIV-related tests, false-negative results may still occur if the test is conducted during the early window period. In such cases, AIDS cannot be detected through blood testing.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding high-risk behaviors, and undergoing regular physical examinations can help in the early detection and timely treatment of potential diseases.