HIV Testing

This guide is intended to clarify complex testing outcomes and guide laboratory reporting of test results to providers and health department surveillance programs.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the systemic effects of HIV, highlighting how the virus silently impacts multiple organ systems before obvious symptoms appear. It explains that HIV initially targets the immune system by depleting CD4+ T cells, leading to chronic inflammation and gradual immune suppression. The article also details how HIV infiltrates the gut, causing mucosal damage, microbial translocation, and gastrointestinal symptoms, which further stress the immune system.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a highly effective HIV prevention medication for people who are HIV-negative and at increased risk of acquiring the virus. It explains that when taken as prescribed, PrEP reduces HIV transmission risk by about 99%, making the chance of contracting HIV from someone correctly using PrEP extremely low.

This journal discusses the development of a handheld platform designed for the detection of HIV, utilizing paper-based sample preparation and real-time isothermal amplification. 

This video explains HIV self-testing, a private and convenient way to check one’s HIV status in as little as 20 minutes. It highlights how to interpret test results and explores available prevention and treatment options to support early detection and care.

This journal discusses the development of educational animations aimed at increasing awareness and understanding of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for women. The study explores qualitative research on how these animations can effectively communicate PrEP’s benefits, addressing barriers to its use and promoting better health decision-making. The research emphasizes the potential of digital health interventions in improving HIV prevention and the role of tailored educational content for enhancing women’s engagement with PrEP.

This video features Dr. Charlene Flash discussing essential sexual health topics for healthcare providers, including HIV and STI testing, HIV stigma, PrEP, and U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable). Part of the "Ask Me Anything About Sexual Health" series by KFF’s GREATER THAN HIV and CDC’s LET’S STOP HIV TOGETHER aims to educate providers while emphasizing the importance of consulting healthcare professionals for personal health decisions.

This journal explores the evolution of HIV diagnostic testing, from early antibody-based methods to advanced molecular and rapid point-of-care technologies. It highlights the impact of these innovations on early detection, treatment initiation, and global efforts to control HIV transmission.

This webinar was the final event of a three-part webinar series on Addressing Priorities in HIV Testing.  “Engaging Health Care Organizations for HIV Prevention and Care” took place on Tuesday April 23, 2024. The webinar focused on Public Health Seattle King County's EHE Healthcare Collaborative. Dr.