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Are there other ways of testing for HIV?

Yes. In addition to HIV-antibody testing, there are other tests available to detect HIV. The p24-antigen test is available, which tests for the presence of the virus itself. Antigens are the substances found on a virus that trigger the production of antibodies in the body. Early in the infection, the P24 antigen is produced and can be detected in the blood (later in the infection process, the antigen may fall to undetectable levels). Because they can detect HIV earlier than antibody tests, the p24 antigen test is sometimes used to screen donated blood. Some tests used today combine p24 with standard antibody tests in order to make earlier, more accurate diagnoses. Due to the expense of these tests, it is not done routinely.

The third type of detection method for HIV is a test for HIV-specific DNA or RNA. These types of tests detect the genetic material of HIV itself, and can identify HIV in the blood within a week of infection. For babies born to infected mothers, a DNA test, called Valid PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is often performed. In some developing countries, blood supplies are screened using an RNA-detecting test called NAT (Nucleic-Acid Amplification Testing). Again, due to the expense, DNA/RNA testing is rarely used on adults.

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