What should you know about laboratory diagnosis of AIDS?

A clinician may begin with an HIV screening test that looks for infection markers. A reactive screening result needs the laboratory's confirmatory pathway; it is not by itself final. Further testing can measure virus and assess immune function, including CD4 cells. AIDS describes advanced HIV-related immune damage or specific serious illnesses in the context of HIV, so fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, joint pain or easy bruising cannot establish it. Dengue fever and other infections can overlap. Test timing matters because recent exposure may require repeat testing.

Arrange a confidential GP Consultation or sexual-health appointment if worried about exposure or ongoing symptoms. Share the possible exposure date, medicines, pregnancy status and previous tests. Do not donate blood until advised. If testing is positive, specialist care can arrange further tests and treatment; effective HIV care can protect health and reduce immune damage. Do not rely on symptom lists or delay testing while waiting for symptoms.

Seek urgent assessment for severe breathlessness, confusion, fainting, inability to keep fluids down, uncontrolled bleeding, marked drowsiness or rapidly worsening illness. High fever with severe weakness, abdominal pain or repeated vomiting also needs prompt review. These signs can reflect serious infection or another emergency, whether or not an HIV test has been done. After a recent possible exposure, contact a clinician promptly because preventive options can be time-sensitive.

Ask which test is appropriate, when it becomes reliable, whether confirmation is needed, how confidentiality works and when results will be available. Ask whether symptoms need separate testing for dengue or another infection.