Of all the different STD testing procedures available, screening for HIV might be the most nerve wracking to wait on. When same day STD testing is desired, but costs are a concern, there are solutions. At National STD Testing, we provide confidential STD testing at highly affordable rates. Our screening procedures include the HIV PCR test, among others.

National STD Testing is an Illinois-based facility that serves clients all over the United States. We work closely with a large network of laboratories to make certain that people without insurance or who are under-insured can afford to get the HIV PCR test and a variety of other STD testing procedures performed. It is our mission to be the leading provider of confidential, reliable and affordable testing procedures.

When there is a need for the HIV PCR test procedure, we’ve found that a lot of questions crop up. Below we have answered some of the most common we encounter:

What is HIV?

The HIV virus attacks and breaks down the human body's immune system. This is the internal defense force that fights off infections and disease. HIV tends to present without symptoms during the first few years after contraction, which is what makes the HIV PCR test so important. Even if there are no symptoms present, once HIV gets into the body it can do serious damage to the immune system. People who appear perfectly healthy may have the virus without knowing it and pass it on to others. The only way to know if you are infected is to have the HIV PCR test performed.

Who should undergo the HIV PCR test?

It is recommended that people who engage in risky behaviors such as unprotected sex or needle-sharing and all pregnant women be tested for HIV infection.

How does the HIV virus spread?

The most common way the virus is spread is through sexual contact with an infected partner. The virus can enter the body through the lining of the vagina, penis, rectum, or mouth during sexual relations. HIV can spread from direct contact with infected blood. Women can transmit HIV to their fetuses during pregnancy or birth. Approximately one-quarter to one-third of all untreated pregnant women infected with HIV will pass the infection to their babies. This is why the HIV PCR test and other STD testing are recommended for pregnant women.

What are the signs of HIV symptoms?
The following may be warning signs of an HIV infection:

• Rapid, unexplained, weight loss
• Dry cough
• Recurring fever or profuse night sweats
• Profound and unexplained fatigue
• Swollen lymph glands in the armpits, groin or neck
• Diarrhea that lasts more than a week
• White spots or unusual blemishes on the tongue,in the mouth, or in the throat
• Pneumonia
• Blotches on or under the skin or inside the mouth, nose or eyelids
• Memory loss, depression and other neurological disorders

What STD testing procedures do you recommend for HIV?

HIV/EIA (Elisa)
The EIA is the standard qualitative test used to assess HIV status. The enzyme immunoassay (EIA) test detects the presence of the antibodies that the immune system produces in response to an HIV infection. EIA is not always effective immediately following contact with the HIV virus because it takes time for the body to produce detectable levels of the HIV antibody. Please call one of our trained counselors or nurses for more information on the EIA "window period." The HIV testing window period is extremely important for accurate test results.

HIV DNA by PCR Testing
The HIV DNA PCR: The HIV Proviral DNA by Polymerase Chain Reaction looks for the genetic material of the virus. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a process that can be used to exponentially multiply minute amounts of DNA. Since its discovery over 20 years ago, the PCR has been used in such diverse fields as zoology, anthropology and criminology. It is used in epidemiology to both detect the presence of extremely small amounts of a virus and to monitor the viral load subsequent to infection. The HIV PCR test is an important consideration to confirm or deny the presence of this virus.

If you’d like to learn more about the HIV PCR test or other STD testing, just contact one of our counselors today. We’re available toll-free at 1-888-840-8688 to answer your questions about confidential STD testing.