How to Test for HIV-1 & HIV-2

HIV-1 and HIV-2 are different strains of the virus that causes AIDS. Both strains are transmitted sexually and through blood contact, but the HIV-2 version has a longer incubation period than HIV-1. HIV-1 is the dominant strain worldwide, while HIV-2 rarely exists outside of West Africa, according to Avert, the International HIV and AIDS charity. Because HIV-2 is so rare, HIV screening tests administered in the U.S. only screen for HIV-1. It is possible, however, to get tested for both HIV-1 and HIV-2.

Instructions

• 1

  Contact your physician and let him know that you are at risk for HIV-2 infection. Having unprotected sex, sharing needles or exposure to the blood of individuals from West African countries, such as Senegal or Nigeria, or countries with strong ties to West Africa, such as Portugal or France, puts you at greater risk for the HIV-2 strain.

• 2

  Provide your doctor with a blood sample. Your doctor may have a technician take the sample in his office or send you to a lab that specializes in taking blood samples and blood testing.

• 3

  Have the lab run either the HIV-1-ELISA or Western Blot tests in addition to an HIV-2-specific blood test and wait for the results. The results may take longer to arrive if the lab does not have an HIV-2 test in stock.

• 4

  Discuss the results of both tests with your doctor. If you have a positive result on any of the tests, your doctor will help you create a treatment plan.