Laboratories perform different kinds of tests
An HIV test involves testing for either the virus or antibodies against it. Testing for chemicals (like enzymes or electrolytes) in the blood and testing for HIV are different in several ways. The theory, or principle, behind the two tests is different. While one searches for evidence of the virus, the other looks for the chemicals themselves.
Immunoassays
Immunoassays involve the use of antibodies to detect something. The antibodies are used as "sniffing dogs" that seek out a particle and alert you to its presence. Immunoassays that test for HIV and immunoassays that test for blood chemicals only differ in the specific antibodies used.
Enzymatic Reactions
Enzymatic reactions involve the use of enzymes to detect the presence of specific chemicals in blood. The enzymes react with chemicals and cause a change in color, which indicates the presence and concentration of the chemical. These tests are not useful for detecting HIV since the virus does not react with enzymes.
Turbidometric Tests
Turbidometric tests measure the turbidity of a sample to determine the concentration of the analyte in it. The more turbid the sample, the more of the analyte dissolved in it. This test works best to detect large molecules that make the sample turbid. As a result, it does not work to detect HIV.
Molecular Diagnostics
A molecular diagnostic blood test detects the genetic material of an infectious agent. So these tests are perfect to detect HIV in the blood. On the other hand, chemicals in the blood do not contain DNA or RNA, so molecular diagnostics are not useful for blood chemistry tests.
Home and Lab Tests
Several tests for HIV are available for home use. These tests are less accurate than those performed at a clinical laboratory. If you are worried about being infected with HIV, consult a health care provider for testing options.
Related posts
What do life insurance blood tests look for?It has become common practice for nearly every major life insurance company to require applicants to undergo a physical screening as part of the underwr...
For medical, legal or insurance purposes, it is sometimes necessary to measure a person's nicotine levels. This can be done reliably through urinalysis or blood testing. Blood tests are not unifor...
How Long Does It Take for Blood Work Results?Blood test result times depend on the type of blood test that you are having conducted. The blood results could come back immediately to half an hour i...
The 5-panel drug screen tests for illicit drugs.The five-panel drug test, also referred to as NIDA-5, is a standard drug test established by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administ...
What Not to Do Before a Blood TestBlood tests are requested by doctors to check health and diagnose conditions. In order for blood tests to be accurate, the blood must not be tainted by activities...
