Are HIV test papers effective?
Disease description:
I am someone who has engaged in high-risk behavior and am concerned about possibly contracting HIV. I would like to know if HIV test kits are effective and whether they can accurately detect the infection.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Bai Hongmei
An HIV test strip is a reagent used to detect whether human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-specific antibodies are present in a blood specimen. It is developed using colloidal gold immunochromatographic technology and works by detecting HIV-specific antibodies in whole blood, serum, or plasma specimens to determine whether a person has AIDS. Testing can be conducted six weeks after the occurrence of a high-risk behavior associated with AIDS. The accuracy rate of a single test ranges from 97% to 99%. When multiple test results are consistent, the accuracy can be considered close to 100%.
However, false negatives and false positives may occur. If the test result is positive, a confirmatory test should be immediately conducted at a正规 medical institution. Even if the result is negative, individuals with a history of high-risk behaviors should be retested after the window period or consult a doctor for further evaluation. In addition, HIV test strips should not replace regular, professional medical examinations and consultations.
