European HIV-Hepatitis Testing Week 2016

How does testing work?
The sooner you get tested, the sooner you are aware whether you have been exposed to a virus and
whether you have a chronic infection. If you have a chronic infection you are then able to start lifesaving
treatment and minimise the risk of transmitting the virus to someone else. Testing is widely
available, and the procedures are simple.
HIV
The most common form of HIV test is a blood
test, where a small amount of blood is taken and
examined.
Delaying testing and access to treatment for HIV
will allow the virus to spread in your body and
damage your health.
Hepatitis
In some areas saliva tests are available, where a
small sample of saliva is taken using a mouth swab.
Other areas make use of dry blood spot testing,
where the finger or heel is pricked and a spot of
blood is blotted onto filter paper.
The tests used can usually detect whether a person
has HIV within a month of their infection. Before
someone is given a positive result, however, the
blood is tested several times in order to ensure a
correct diagnosis.
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For hepatitis, the initial test is an antibody test
which is usually carried out using a blood sample.
Hepatitis B and C can usually be detected in the
blood 2-3 months after exposure.
Delaying testing and access to treatment for
hepatitis will allow the virus to cause further
damage to the liver, which may lead to extensive
liver disease and, in some cases, liver cancer.