HIV 1 & 2 Test with Confirmation

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a viral, sexually transmitted infection that without appropriate treatment will progress to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV attacks the immune cells and weakens the body’s defense against infection. Initially, men and women infected with HIV may have no or mild symptoms for many years, which makes it easy to spread through unprotected sex. The virus can pass from person to person through contact with HIV-infected semen, vaginal fluid, breast milk, or blood. Testing for HIV is done with a sample of blood. There are 2 types of HIV: HIV-1 and HIV-2. Although HIV-1 is the most common, our test checks for both.³

There is no cure for HIV or AIDS, but there are treatment options that can slow the progression of the disease. HIV does not go away on its own. If left untreated, HIV can cause damage to the immune system and may develop into AIDS.

The HIV Test can be performed in people with and without symptoms of infection. When symptoms do occur, they may vary from person to person and as the disease progresses. There are 3 stages of HIV infection. The first stage occurs about 2 to 4 weeks after exposure and can last from a few days to weeks.⁴

Stage 1: Acute HIV infection:

Some people do not develop symptoms, while others develop flu-like symptoms including:

• Fever
• Night sweats
• Cough
• Headache
• Muscle and joint aches and pain
• Rash
• Sore throat
• Painful mouth sores
• Swollen lymph glands
• Diarrhea
• Weight loss

Stage 2: Chronic HIV Infection

HIV will progress to a chronic phase, which may not have symptoms. This stage may last for years. It is still possible to pass the disease on to someone else during this time.

Some common symptoms can include:

• Fatigue
• Fever
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Oral yeast infection (thrush)
• Pneumonia
• Diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Shingles (herpes zoster)

Stage 3: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)

As HIV progresses, the immune system becomes severely damaged, and the body becomes too weak to fight off infections. This may lead to opportunistic infections that take advantage of a weakened immune system and may become severe and life-threatening.

Symptoms of AIDS can include:

• Sweats
• Persistent fever
• Fatigue
• Chills
• Recurring fever
• Chronic diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Weakness
• Skin bumps or rashes
• Swollen lymph glands
• Mouth sores

There are many treatments that slow the progression of AIDS. Testing is key and treatment should be started as early as possible.

These symptoms can be associated with other conditions. Regardless of your results, please discuss your symptoms with your doctor.

You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a test on questhealth.com. This test requires specimen collection at a Quest Diagnostics location or through Quest Mobile™, a convenient option for in-home sample collection*. Collection not available in AK, AZ, or HI.

*Check your zip code here for service availability, not available in all locations.

After the test:
After you provide your specimen, it generally takes a few business days to process and release your test results. However, processing times may vary. Your test results will be available in a clear and easy-to-read report. If your results indicate possible infection, you will receive an alert call from an independent healthcare coordinator. Independent physicians are available to discuss questions or concerns you may have regarding your results.

Treatment options:
Included with your purchase, you have the option to discuss your results with an independent physician who may be able to prescribe specific treatment depending on your results.