Does routine blood work show AIDS?

Almost 90 percent of Americans say they would be comfortable being tested for HIV as part of routine medical examinations. But routine blood tests—or pap tests that are part of routine gynecological exams—do not automatically include a test for HIV.

Can a doctor tell if you have AIDS?

A doctor may suspect HIV if symptoms last and no other cause can be found. If you have been exposed to HIV, your immune system will make antibodies to try to destroy the virus. Doctors use tests to find these HIV antibodies or antigens in urine, saliva, or blood.

Does HIV show up in routine blood work?

Routine blood work is in fact a battery of separate tests, all run on samples of your blood. Each test looks for a different thing. While there’s no reason why the tests shouldn’t include a specific test for HIV, this isn’t necessarily routine practice.

Does HIV show up on a CBC Test?

But the CBC is not a test for HIV. Other tests often included examine your blood glucose, calcium, electrolyte, cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Only if your healthcare provider orders an HIV test alongside the other ones will HIV show up.

How do I get tested for HIV?

You will need to ask your healthcare provider to include the test. Some facilities will offer a Rapid HIV test which requires only a “finger prick” of blood or a mouth swab and you will get the result in minutes. If the Rapid test is positive, or indeterminate, then they will take a blood sample for a confirmation test.

How long does it take to test positive for HIV?

To find out if a person is infected there are tests that are specific to HIV such as antibody or antigen testing. However, your body could take up to 6 months to build up antibodies that are detectable on a blood test. Blood centers usually test for the HIV antigen and antibody.