How is HIV testing done?
Sep 18, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
Different testing methods are suitable for different scenarios. For early screening, combined antigen and antibody testing is recommended, while diagnosis should be based on both antibody testing and viral load testing. Testing should be conducted at正规 medical institutions or through正规 channels. Individuals who test positive via self-testing must seek confirmation at a healthcare facility. After testing, individuals should follow professional guidance and take appropriate interventions according to the results.
HIV testing requires specialized technical analysis of specific samples and can generally be conducted through methods such as HIV antibody testing, HIV antigen-antibody combination testing, HIV viral load testing, HIV oral fluid testing, and rapid HIV testing. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. HIV Antibody Testing: This is a commonly used method involving the collection of venous or finger-prick blood to detect the presence of HIV antibodies in the sample using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or Western blot techniques. The window period is typically 4 to 6 weeks. It offers high accuracy and serves as one of the confirmatory diagnostic criteria.
2. HIV Antigen-Antibody Combination Testing: This method simultaneously detects both HIV antigens and antibodies in a blood sample collected from a vein, using technologies such as chemiluminescence. The window period is shortened to 2–4 weeks, enabling earlier detection of infection. It is suitable for early screening following high-risk exposure.
3. HIV Viral Load Testing: This directly measures the amount of HIV RNA in the sample using venous blood and real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR technology. With a window period of approximately 1 week, it helps assess early viral replication and monitor treatment effectiveness.
4. HIV Oral Fluid Testing: This uses oral mucosal transudate as the sample, tested with a specialized test strip. As it does not require blood collection, it is simple to perform. The window period is similar to that of antibody testing—about 4 to 6 weeks—and is suitable for individuals who fear blood draws or prefer home-based preliminary screening.
5. Rapid HIV Testing: This includes both rapid blood and rapid oral fluid tests, utilizing colloidal gold immunochromatographic assays. Results are available within 15 to 20 minutes after collecting finger-prick blood or oral fluid. While convenient and easy to use, this method is only intended for initial screening; positive results must be confirmed through further diagnostic testing.
Different testing methods are suited to different situations. For early screening, antigen-antibody combination testing is recommended. Diagnosis should be based on combined results from antibody and viral load testing. Testing should be performed at authorized medical institutions or through approved channels. Individuals who test positive during self-testing must seek follow-up confirmation at healthcare facilities. After testing, professional guidance should be followed to implement appropriate interventions based on the results.
