Indirizzo: Via Portuense, 292 - Roma Telefono: +39 06.55170.1 P.IVA: 05080991002
Indirizzo: Via Portuense, 292 - Roma Telefono: +39 06.55170.1 P.IVA: 05080991002
Reading Time: 4 minutes
Even if you have already received an HIV diagnosis, understanding how tests work can help you feel more reassured and better able to explain the situation to partners, friends, and family members. Here you will find the essential information, presented clearly.
The only way to know if an infection has occurred is to take a blood testFasting is not required, and results are available in a few days. Modern tests (called “fourth-generation” tests) detect antibodies produced by the body as well as a viral protein (p24 antigen). This increases reliability and allows for earlier diagnosis.
After a risk exposure, the body needs time for detectable signals to appear in the blood. This period is called the windows period.
• With fourth-generation tests, a result is already reliable after approximately 20 days..
• For a definitive result about 40 days from the possible exposure are considered.
If the test is done too early, it can be negative even if the infection has just begun; for this reason, it may sometimes need to be repeated..
There are tests that use a drop of blood or saliva and give a result within minutesIf the result is positive or uncertain, it must be confirmed with a blood draw in a laboratory.
Testing is available free of charge at dedicated public centers. In many cases, a prescription is not requiredand you can request the test to be performed anonymously. Results are delivered in person by trained healthcare personnel. For minors, parental or guardian authorization is now required; in any case, young people can approach the centers for confidential advice and guidance.
Le linee guida consigliano di farlo almeno una volta nella vita a chi è sessualmente attivo, e più spesso se ci sono comportamenti a rischio (rapporti non protetti, più partner, uso condiviso di aghi). Il test è sempre raccomandato in caso di altre infezioni sessuali e durante la gravidanza (alla donna e al partner).
Se pensi di esserti esposto nelle ultime 48–72 ore, vai subito in pronto soccorso o in un centro infettivologico: potrebbe essere indicata la PEP (profilassi post-esposizione) di cui parliamo nell’articolo dedicato.
Se pensi di esserti esposto nelle ultime 48–72 ore, vai subito in pronto soccorso o in un centro infettivologico: potrebbe essere indicata la PEP (profilassi post-esposizione).
Dopo il test di diagnosi, il tuo percorso continuerà con esami di controllo (come la carica virale e i CD4) per verificare che la terapia stia funzionando. Questi esami sono diversi dal test di diagnosi e servono a guidare le cure nel tempo.
In summary:
• The test is simple, confidential, and free of charge.
• The window period explains why it sometimes needs to be repeated.
• In the case of recent risk, PEP is available.
• After diagnosis, regular monitoring helps you stay healthy.
References
HIV e AIDS – Salute Lazio. (n.d.). https://www.salutelazio.it/hiv-e-aids
How we will try to contact you
We will call you from a national landline number that starts with:
0655170 [...]
It is very important to answer: we are trying to get in touch with you!
How you can contact APC Immuno
To contact APC Immuno directly, please call the following number:
0655170333
We will answer from Mon to Sat from 11:00 to 13:00 compatibly with clinical needs.
For any clinical need it is always better to speak directly with the APC Immuno Staff. o clarify doubts of organizational nature you can send an email to apcimmuno@inmi.it. Do not use the email for clinical questions! We might not answer your question immediately!
How you can contact UOS Counseling, HIV and STI Testing and Prophylaxis
To contact UOS Counseling, HIV and STI Testing and Prophylaxis directly call the number
0655170620
What to always bring with you
• Health Insurance Card
• Valid identification document
• Exemption card for pathology 020.042 or other valid exemption
⚠️ ATTENTION: If you do not have a health insurance card you will have to go with a valid identification document to the CUP for the issuance or renewal of theSTP/ENI and sign, if you meet the requirements, the certificate of indigence, which must be renewed every 6 months, like the STP/ENI. In this way you will be able to benefit from the X01 exemption. Afterwards, you will still have to go to your local ASL with the pathology certificate to obtain the pathology exemption.
Important note on consent to care and participation in research studies
Upon your arrival at Spallanzani you will be asked to sign a document regarding consent to care. It is possible that during a medical visit you will be asked to also sign further consents for participation in clinical and research studies.
Spallanzani, as a Research Institute,participates in numerous clinical studies.
Your possible support is precious to improve care pathways and contribute to the progress of HIV research.
Participation in studies is always voluntary, free, and independent from the care pathway. The Doctor will explain to you in a clear and simple way the contents of the proposed study, which is always approved by the Ethics Committee, guarantees privacy according to current regulations, and from which you can withdraw at any time.
Please contact the information desk: The Nursing Staff will assess the situation and, if necessary, help you schedule an appointment for a medical consultation.
You can access them through the Electronic Health Record (if you have SPID or CIE), or by using the link provided by the CUP staff when you undergo the blood draw.
Please email prenotazioni.spallanzani@inmi.it no later than two days before the scheduled date to reschedule the appointment.
Many procedures can be performed at our hospital. However, some must be scheduled through the Regional CUP number at 069939.
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