Question 1

What is AIDS?

Accepted Answer

AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is the most advanced stage of HIV infection where the immune system is severely damaged. It is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) that destroys CD4 T-cells, leaving the body unable to fight infections. The HIV 1/2 Antigen and Antibodies, Fourth Generation test is the most important test for detecting HIV infection and monitoring progression to AIDS.

Question 2

What causes AIDS?

Accepted Answer

AIDS is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) that attacks and destroys CD4 T-cells, which are critical white blood cells that coordinate your immune response. When HIV infection goes untreated or is poorly managed with antiretroviral therapy, the virus continues replicating and progressively weakens your immune system. AIDS develops when your CD4 count drops below 200 cells per cubic millimeter or when you develop certain opportunistic infections that healthy immune systems normally fight off.

Question 3

What is the best test for AIDS?

Accepted Answer

The HIV 1/2 Antigen and Antibodies, Fourth Generation test is the most important test for AIDS because it detects both HIV antibodies your body produces in response to infection and the p24 antigen, a protein from the virus itself. This comprehensive approach makes it highly sensitive for confirming HIV infection, which is essential since AIDS cannot be diagnosed without first confirming HIV-positive status. The test is particularly valuable when combined with CD4 cell count monitoring, as AIDS is officially diagnosed when an HIV-positive person has a CD4 count below 200 cells per cubic millimeter. Regular testing helps track whether HIV infection is progressing toward the advanced AIDS stage and guides treatment decisions.

Question 4

When should I get tested for AIDS?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you have had unprotected sex, shared needles, or have a partner who is HIV-positive. Testing is also critical if you notice persistent symptoms like unexplained weight loss, chronic diarrhea lasting more than a week, recurring fever, extreme fatigue, or swollen lymph nodes that last for months. If you have been diagnosed with HIV, regular monitoring is essential to catch any progression toward AIDS early so treatment can be adjusted to prevent immune system collapse.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of AIDS?

Accepted Answer

AIDS symptoms include rapid weight loss, recurring fever, extreme and unexplained fatigue, and prolonged swelling of lymph nodes in your armpits, groin, or neck. You might experience chronic diarrhea lasting more than a week, sores in your mouth or on your genitals, pneumonia, and red or purple blotches on your skin or inside your mouth. Memory loss, depression, and neurological disorders can also occur as the virus affects your nervous system. These symptoms indicate severe immune system damage and the development of opportunistic infections that healthy immune systems would normally prevent.

Question 6

Who is at risk for AIDS?

Accepted Answer

People with HIV who do not receive antiretroviral treatment or who have poor medication adherence are at highest risk for developing AIDS. Other risk factors include having unprotected sex with multiple partners, sharing needles for drug use, and having other sexually transmitted infections that increase HIV transmission risk. Healthcare workers exposed to contaminated blood, infants born to HIV-positive mothers who did not receive preventive treatment, and people who received blood transfusions before 1985 also face increased risk. Anyone with untreated HIV infection will eventually progress to AIDS without proper medical intervention.

Question 7

What happens if AIDS is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated AIDS leads to life-threatening opportunistic infections and cancers that your weakened immune system cannot fight. You become vulnerable to pneumocystis pneumonia, tuberculosis, toxoplasmosis affecting the brain, and severe fungal infections throughout your body. Cancers like Kaposi sarcoma and lymphomas become more likely as your CD4 count plummets. Neurological complications including dementia, seizures, and vision loss can occur. Without treatment, most people with AIDS survive only about three years, though modern antiretroviral therapy can suppress HIV, restore immune function, and allow people with AIDS to recover and live long, healthy lives.

Question 8

Can AIDS be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

AIDS is diagnosed using blood tests that confirm HIV infection and measure CD4 cell counts. The HIV 1/2 Antigen and Antibodies, Fourth Generation test detects the virus, while a CD4 count test measures how many CD4 T-cells remain in your blood. AIDS is officially diagnosed when you test positive for HIV and either have a CD4 count below 200 cells per cubic millimeter or develop specific opportunistic infections. Blood tests also measure viral load, which shows how much HIV is in your bloodstream and helps doctors monitor treatment effectiveness and disease progression.

Question 9

How is AIDS treated?

Accepted Answer

AIDS is treated with combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) that uses multiple medications to suppress HIV replication and allow your immune system to recover. Treatment typically includes drugs from several classes, such as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, protease inhibitors, and integrase inhibitors. Your doctor will also prescribe prophylactic antibiotics to prevent opportunistic infections and treat any existing infections or cancers. With consistent treatment, most people with AIDS see their CD4 counts rise above 200, their viral load become undetectable, and their health dramatically improve, often returning to a non-AIDS status.

Question 10

How can I prevent AIDS?

Accepted Answer

You can prevent AIDS by preventing HIV infection through consistent condom use during sex, never sharing needles, and taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) if you are at high risk for HIV. If you are HIV-positive, taking antiretroviral therapy as prescribed prevents progression to AIDS by keeping your viral load undetectable and your CD4 count healthy. Regular medical monitoring, adherence to medication schedules, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition and exercise all help prevent HIV from advancing to the AIDS stage. Early HIV detection and immediate treatment initiation offer the best protection against developing AIDS.

Question 11

What can I do at home to support my health with AIDS?

Accepted Answer

You can support your health at home by taking your antiretroviral medications exactly as prescribed without missing doses, which is critical for keeping HIV suppressed. Eat a nutrient-rich diet with plenty of protein, fruits, and vegetables to support immune function, and stay hydrated to help your body fight infections. Get adequate sleep, manage stress through meditation or gentle exercise, and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol, which further weaken your immune system. Practice excellent hygiene to reduce infection risk, avoid raw or undercooked foods that may carry bacteria, and stay up to date with vaccinations your doctor recommends to prevent additional illnesses.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

AIDS Blood Test

What is AIDS?

What causes AIDS?

What is the best test for AIDS?

When should I get tested for AIDS?

References

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