One of the significant global health concerns is the rapid spread of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In Dubai, the demand for confidential and convenient HIV testing at home is gaining popularity immensely. The screening of HIV in the comfort of their home allows individuals to make prompt decisions regarding their health while maintaining their privacy. The advancements in the healthcare sector have made diagnostic services much more convenient, accessible, and easy to use.
If you want to get yourself screened in Dubai for human immunodeficiency virus, this article will provide valuable insights about the virus and guide you to various testing procedures.
What is HIV and Why Its Screening is Essential?
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that attacks the immune system as soon it enters the body. It particularly targets the CD4 cells or T cells that are vital in fighting against pathogens and harmful substances in the body. HIV infection if left untreated can cause severe health complications and progression to an advanced stage known as Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDs). When a person acquires AIDS, his/her immune system becomes severely compromised. With proper treatment and on-time diagnosis, people can live a long and healthy life.
Screening for HIV in the early stages is crucial for timely management and medical intervention. Below are some of the reasons that signify the early screening
- Early detection ensures medical treatment on time.
- When a person is aware of their sexual health status they can take precautionary measures to prevent viral transmission to other people.
- Screening regularly ensures that one is healthy leading to reduced stress and anxiety.
- Overall health outcome is improved with the help of timely medical intervention
How HIV Works and Progresses Silently in the Body
Once HIV enters the body it begins attacking the CD4 cells of the immune system and starts replicating to integrate its genetic material into the DNA of the host. This leads to the production of more HIV copies by the host’s cells. As time passes the immune system weakens gradually, making the person more susceptible to other infections and diseases.
The HIV progresses silently in the given manner;
Acute phase
The first few weeks after the exposure are considered the acute phase and some people start experiencing symptoms such as the symptoms associated with the flu virus. This stage is referred to as acute retroviral syndrome.
Clinical Latency Stage
The virus becomes dormant in this stage i.e. the symptoms do not appear but the virus replicates at a slower rate for years, thus people who don’t get themselves screened regularly may remain unaware that they are infected and their life is at risk.
Damage to the Immune System
If the virus is left untreated, it reduces the number of CD4 to abnormally low levels resulting in a severely compromised immune system and the body becomes unable to fight any infection.
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
This is the advanced stage of HIV leading to severe opportunistic infections and serious health complications.
Getting yourself tested regularly is crucial for the detection of HIV in its early stages as it silently damages the immune system and leads to severe health complications.
Some Facts About HIV
When an individual is well aware of the HIB nature and its transmission, he/she can manage and prevent the infection easily.
- HIV infection has no cure to date but modern antiretroviral therapy (ART) plays a vital role in effective management and limiting the virus progression allowing people to live a healthy life.
- HIV cannot be transmitted through casual contact such as hugging, shaking hands, or touching surfaces rather it is transmitted primarily through the body fluids including blood, semen, rectal fluids, vaginal discharge, and breast milk.
- Progression of the infection is slow as it slowly progresses for years without showing any symptoms.
- When an individual is getting the right treatment through ART the viral load becomes so low that it cannot to transmitted to their partners.
- The screening of HIV is much faster and more convenient than ever providing the test results within a few minutes and a maximum of a day.
HIV Screening at Home in Dubai
The medical regulations in Dubai are strict to protect the rights and safety of the patients. Many types of HIV test in Dubai are available but most people prefer HIV health screening at home in Dubai due to the confidentiality, comfort, and convenience of not visiting the hospital. Home testing is simple and usually involves the collection of a sample of blood or saliva. The test is self-administered and is quite easy;
- Individuals are required to order the test kit which is delivered in a discreet package.
- Sample is collected according to the test type such as a blood sample through a small finger prick or a saliva sample.
- Follow the instructions provided in the kit.
- Some tests are rapid and give the results within minutes, while other tests are sent to the laboratory for further analysis.
- If the home test comes out positive, a confirmatory test is required which is a lab-based test.
How Samples for HIV Tests Processed in Laboratory
The laboratory follows strict laboratory protocols for the processing of the samples to get accurate results. The lab typically follows the given steps;
- The sample is collected according to the test type. The blood in the laboratory is collected through venipuncture for more accuracy.
- The sample is then sent to the accredited laboratory for analysis.
- Techniques such as ELISA and CLIA are used for the detection of the HIV antibodies or antigens in the sample in the initial testing procedure.
- If the initial test shows a positive result, then a follow-up test is requested such as a western blot and nucleic acid test for the confirmation of the presence of the virus.
- If the confirmatory test comes out positive, then the cell count of CD4 and viral load are checked to determine the stage of the infection.
- The results are then given to the individuals with confidentiality to maintain their privacy and anonymity and are guided to seek immediate medical attention without any further delay.
Getting yourself screened regularly ensures a healthy society. People can now get the sexual health check done with convenience and within the comfort of their homes with at-home testing services as early detection is crucial for the effective management of the disease as it cannot be cured rather it can be managed to live a healthy and long life.
