What does the HIV test involve?

The HIV test from Labtest.nl is designed to detect a possible HIV infection at an early stage. The test looks for two markers in your blood:

• HIV antibodies – produced by your immune system in response to the virus.
• p24 antigen – a protein that can appear in your blood relatively soon after infection.

By detecting both markers, the test can identify an HIV infection earlier than an antibody-only test.

How does the test work?

The test is easy to perform at home using a finger prick. You send a small blood sample to a certified laboratory, where it is carefully analysed. You will receive your results within a few days.

When is the best time to test?

After possible exposure to HIV, you need to wait before testing can provide a reliable result. This is known as the window period: the time between possible exposure and the point at which the test can detect HIV.

For HIV:

The test may detect an infection from around 4 weeks after exposure. However, a negative result is considered reliable only after 3 months. If you test earlier and receive a negative result, it is therefore advisable to repeat the test after 3 months.

HIV symptoms

HIV symptoms vary depending on the stage of the infection. Some people have few or no symptoms at first, while others develop noticeable symptoms. HIV infection can generally be divided into three stages:

Acute HIV infection (first few weeks after infection)

Within 2 to 4 weeks after HIV infection, flu-like symptoms may occur. This phase is also known as acute seroconversion. Not everyone develops symptoms, and they may be mild or resemble a common cold or flu.

Possible symptoms include:

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Skin rash, often on the torso
• Fatigue
• Night sweats
• Swollen lymph nodes, particularly in the neck
• Headache
• Muscle and joint pain
• Diarrhoea in some cases

These symptoms usually disappear on their own within a few weeks, but the virus remains active in the body.

Latent phase

After the acute phase, HIV can remain in the body for months or years without causing noticeable symptoms, particularly without treatment.

Characteristics of this phase include:

• Often no symptoms
• HIV remains active and gradually affects the immune system
• Without treatment, the immune system can become increasingly weakened
• With effective antiretroviral therapy, people can often remain healthy for many years

Advanced HIV infection and AIDS

If HIV remains untreated for a long time, the immune system can become severely weakened. This can lead to various illnesses and symptoms associated with advanced HIV infection or AIDS.

Possible symptoms include:

• Persistent fever
• Chronic fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Long-lasting or recurring diarrhoea
• Night sweats
• Oral thrush
• Shingles
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Shortness of breath or pneumonia
• White patches or sores in the mouth or on the tongue
• Skin rashes or lumps
• Recurring infections
• Opportunistic infections or certain types of cancer

Good to know

Thanks to antiretroviral therapy (ART), people with HIV can live long and healthy lives. Early detection and treatment can prevent HIV from progressing and prevent sexual transmission of the virus. HIV cannot currently be cured, but it can be effectively controlled with treatment.

If you may have been exposed to HIV, getting tested is important. An HIV infection can be present without causing symptoms, so symptoms alone cannot determine whether you have HIV.

What are STIs?

STIs (sexually transmitted infections) are infections that can be transmitted through sexual contact. They are caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites and can be transmitted through:

• Vaginal or anal sex
• Oral sex, such as oral sex performed on a penis or vulva
• Contact with infected bodily fluids
• Sometimes through hands or sex toys

You may not notice immediately that you have an STI. Many people have no symptoms but can still pass the infection on to someone else.

STIs should not be taken lightly. Without treatment, they can cause lasting health problems, such as fertility problems or inflammation. That is why it is important to get tested if you may have been exposed, even if you feel completely healthy. This helps protect both you and your sexual partner(s).

The HIV virus

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. Over time, this can make you more vulnerable to infections that a healthy immune system would normally be able to fight.

HIV primarily targets CD4 cells, a type of white blood cell. Without treatment, the number of CD4 cells can decrease, potentially leading to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). At this stage, the immune system is severely weakened and serious illnesses can develop.

How is HIV transmitted?

HIV can be present in certain bodily fluids, including:

• Blood
• Semen and pre-ejaculate
• Vaginal fluids
• Rectal fluids
• Breast milk

HIV is mainly transmitted through:

• Unprotected vaginal or anal sex
• Sharing needles or syringes
• Transmission from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding

You cannot contract HIV through activities such as hugging, kissing, coughing, or sharing a toilet or cutlery.

HIV symptoms and progression

Many people have few or no symptoms initially. Some people develop flu-like symptoms in the first few weeks after infection, such as fever or a sore throat, but these often disappear quickly.

Without treatment, HIV can eventually progress to AIDS. Fortunately, this can usually be prevented today with effective medication.

HIV treatment and outlook

There is currently no cure for HIV, but effective antiretroviral therapy can:

• Suppress the amount of virus in the blood to an undetectable level
• Prevent sexual transmission of HIV
• Allow people to have a normal life expectancy
• Support a healthy and active life

The earlier you know that you have HIV, the sooner treatment can begin. That is why it is important to get tested if you may have been exposed. Testing is quick, safe and reliable.

What does your test result mean?

If you have ordered an STI test, such as an HIV test, from us, you will receive your result in your personal online dashboard. Test results provide a snapshot in time and can be influenced by factors such as diet, lifestyle, medication and the time of sample collection. Abnormal results do not automatically mean that you have a medical condition.

What does a positive result mean?

A positive result means that HIV has been detected in your sample. This may be worrying, but effective treatments are available.

What should you do if you receive a positive result?

Contact your doctor. Your doctor will discuss the result with you and explain the next steps. If the diagnosis is confirmed, you will receive information about treatment and how to stay healthy.

Your doctor can also advise you about informing current or former sexual partners so they can get tested if necessary. With early diagnosis and treatment, people living with HIV can live long and healthy lives.

What does a negative result mean?

A negative result means that HIV was not detected in the sample you submitted. However, if you were exposed to HIV recently, the test may have been performed during the window period. In that case, a repeat test at a later time may be advisable.

How will I receive my result?

We make sure you receive your test result quickly, clearly and securely. You will receive an email as soon as your result is available in your personal online dashboard.