HIV (Rapid Card Test)

Immunity

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No Fasting Required

Details

Detect infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus

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HIV (Rapid Card Test) - Comprehensive Medical Information Guide

Why is it done?
- Test measures the presence of HIV antibodies and/or antigens in blood or oral fluid to detect Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection
- Primary indications for testing include: initial screening for HIV infection, routine health screening, pregnant women, healthcare worker exposure, blood/organ donors, patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of HIV/AIDS
- Commonly performed in emergency departments, urgent care centers, community health centers, STI clinics, and resource-limited settings due to rapid turnaround time (15-30 minutes)
- Used as preliminary screening test to guide need for confirmatory testing with more sensitive methods
- Testing window period is typically 18-45 days after potential exposure depending on the specific test platform used
Normal Range
- Normal Result (Negative): No visible line appears, or only control line (C) appears on test card. Indicates absence of HIV antibodies/antigens within the detection window. Reported as "Negative" or "Non-Reactive"
- Abnormal Result (Positive): Both control line (C) and test line (T) appear on card. Indicates presence of HIV antibodies and/or antigens. Reported as "Positive" or "Reactive". Requires confirmation with supplemental/confirmatory testing
- Invalid Result: No control line (C) appears or test is unclear. Indicates test error or improper sample collection. Test should be repeated with new kit and sample
- Interpretation based on visual appearance of colored lines on nitrocellulose strip; qualitative test (not quantitative). No numerical values or units reported.
Interpretation
- Negative Result: Patient likely does not have HIV infection, assuming adequate detection window has passed (typically >3 weeks). Early infection may yield false negative results (window period). Repeat testing recommended if exposure occurred within past 3 weeks or if clinical suspicion remains high
- Positive Result: Presumptive for HIV infection. MUST be confirmed with supplemental testing such as HIV-1/HIV-2 differentiation immunoassay, Western blot, or HIV-1 nucleic acid test (NAT/RNA test). Positive rapid test does not diagnose AIDS or determine viral load. Patient should be referred for confirmatory testing and counseling immediately
- Factors Affecting Results: Improper specimen collection or storage; testing during window period (too early after exposure); improper test technique; contaminated sample; medications not typically affecting results; user error in interpretation
- Test Performance: Sensitivity ranges 98-99.9% (ability to detect true positive); Specificity ranges 95-99.9% (ability to detect true negative). False positives possible, requiring confirmatory testing. Fourth-generation tests detect HIV-1/HIV-2 antibodies and HIV-1 p24 antigen
- Clinical significance: Identifies patients who require immediate counseling, confirmatory testing, linkage to care, and consideration of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Early detection crucial for preventing transmission and starting treatment
Associated Organs
- Primary Organ Systems Involved: Immune system (CD4+ T lymphocytes are primary target); lymphatic system; blood; bone marrow; all tissues can be affected as virus spreads systemically
- Conditions Associated with Positive Results: HIV-1 infection; HIV-2 infection; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS); opportunistic infections including Pneumocystis pneumonia, tuberculosis, candidiasis, cytomegalovirus
- Complications of Untreated Infection: Progressive immunosuppression; severe infections (CNS, respiratory, gastrointestinal, disseminated); malignancies (Kaposi sarcoma, lymphoma); neurological complications (dementia, neuropathy); wasting syndrome; organ failure; death if untreated
- Associated Diseases: Tuberculosis; hepatitis B and C; sexually transmitted infections; cryptococcal meningitis; toxoplasmosis; cytomegalovirus; mycobacterium avium complex; peripheral neuropathy; HIV-associated cardiomyopathy
- Transmission Routes: Sexual contact; blood exposure (needle sharing, occupational exposure); mother-to-child transmission; contaminated blood transfusions (rare in developed countries). Not transmitted through respiratory route, saliva, or casual contact
Follow-up Tests
- Confirmatory Tests (Required for Positive Results): HIV-1/HIV-2 differentiation immunoassay; Western blot; HIV-1 nucleic acid test (NAT)/RNA test; HIV antigen/antibody combination test. CDC recommends fourth-generation testing algorithm with supplemental confirmatory test
- Baseline Assessment Tests (If Confirmed Positive): CD4+ T cell count (determines immune status); HIV RNA viral load (indicates level of viremia); resistance testing (genotypic/phenotypic); baseline hematology and chemistry panels; liver and kidney function; hepatitis B, C, and syphilis serologies; tuberculosis screening (TB); opportunistic infection screening
- Monitoring Tests for Diagnosed Patients: CD4+ count and HIV RNA viral load every 3-6 months during treatment; lipid panel; fasting glucose; annually or as clinically indicated depending on treatment response and comorbidities
- Sexual/Partner Contacts: Testing of current and recent sexual partners; consideration of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) if recent exposure identified; partner notification and counseling
- Related Screening Tests: Sexually transmitted infection panel (gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis); tuberculosis testing (IGRA or TST); toxoplasma serology; CMV serology; varicella zoster status; immunization status assessment
- Follow-up rapid testing typically not recommended for confirmed positive cases; switch to laboratory-based confirmatory and monitoring assays for accuracy and clinical utility
Fasting Required?
- Fasting Required: No
- Patient Preparation: No fasting period required. Food and fluid intake do not affect test results. Patient may eat and drink normally before test
- Sample Collection Requirements: Blood sample from finger prick or venipuncture; or oral fluid from gums using specialized collection device. Samples should be collected on same day or stored per protocol if needed
- Medications: No medications need to be held or avoided. Current antiretroviral therapy does not interfere with test. Continue all regular medications as prescribed
- Other Special Instructions: Informed consent and pre-test counseling recommended; patient should be aware of test purpose, limitations, window period, and implications of results; confidentiality assured; allows time for questions before testing
- Timing Considerations: Test can be performed at any time of day. Results typically available within 15-30 minutes. If testing within 3 weeks of exposure, window period should be discussed with patient; repeat testing may be recommended
- Post-Test Counseling: Arrange appropriate counseling for positive results; discuss treatment options, transmission prevention, partner notification, and emotional support resources

How our test process works!