Diagnosis of HIV/AIDS
by
Amy Scholten, MPH The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. The doctor will ask about certain risks that make the chance infection higher. If the doctor suspects HIV, tests will be done. Testing is important because someone can have the virus without symptoms. Tests may include:
Blood tests are the only way to confirm a diagnosis. These tests will need to be done even if a rapid test is positive. A diagnosis is needed so treatment can start right away. HIV can progress to AIDS. A person may have AIDS if:
References:AIDS diagnosis. UCSF Medical Center website. Available at: https://www.ucsfhealth.org/conditions/aids/diagnosis. Accessed November 10, 2021. Guide for HIV/AIDS clinical care. National Institute of Health and Human Services website. Available at:
https://hab.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/hab/clinical-quality-management/2014guide.pdf. Updated April 2014. Accessed November 10, 2021. HIV Testing. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/testing.html. Accessed November 10, 2021. Initial evaluation of the patient with HIV. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/evaluation/initial-evaluation-of-the-patient-with-hiv-2. Accessed November 10, 2021. Last reviewed November 2021 by EBSCO Medical Review Board
David L. Horn, MD, FACP Last Updated: 11/10/2021 |
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