MEDICAL TEST HEALTH TERMS LEGAL GLOSSARY

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HIV Tests (Human Immunodeficiency Virus): This test detects antibodies to HIV in the blood. This determines whether an HIV infection is present. HIV infects white blood cells called CD4+ cells, which are part of the body's immune system that help fight infections. HIV causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) which is a long-term and chronic disease that has no cure. After the original infection, it takes between 2 weeks and 6 months for antibodies to HIV to appear in the blood. The period between becoming infected with HIV and the point at which antibodies to HIV can be detected in the blood is called the window period. During this period, an HIV-infected person can still spread the disease, even though a test will not detect any antibodies in his or her blood. Testing is often done at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after exposure to determine that a person is not infected. Several tests can find antibodies or genetic material (RNA) to the HIV virus. These tests include:

• Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA): This test is usually the first one used to detect infection with HIV. If antibodies to HIV are present (or positive), the test is usually repeated to confirm the diagnosis. If ELISA is negative, other tests are not usually needed. This test has a low chance of having a false result after the first few weeks that a person is infected.
• Western Blot: This test is more difficult than the ELISA to perform, but it is done to confirm the results of two positive ELISA tests. 
• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): This test finds either the genetic material DNA or RNA of HIV. PCR testing is not done as frequently as antibody testing because it requires technical skill and expensive equipment. This test may be done in the days or weeks after exposure to the virus. Genetic material may be found even if other tests are negative for the virus.
• Indirect Fluorescent Antibody (IFA): This test detects HIV antibodies. Like a Western blot test, it is used to confirm the results of an ELISA. However, it is more expensive than a Western blot test and not commonly used. 

Hepatitis A Virus Test: Detects substances in the blood that indicate a hepatitis infection is active or has occurred in the past. The test detects proteins (antibodies) made by the body in response to the virus that causes hepatitis. It is important to identify the type of hepatitis virus causing infection so that its spread can be prevented and the proper treatment can be started immediately.

Hepatitis B Virus Test: A test that looks for substances in the blood that show a hepatitis infection is active, ongoing (chronic), or has occurred in the past. The tests look for antigens, antibodies, or genetic material of the viruses that cause hepatitis. It is important to identify the type of hepatitis virus causing infection to prevent its spread and begin the proper treatment immediately.

Hepatitis C Virus Tests: Detect substances in the blood that indicate a hepatitis infection is active, chronic, or has occurred in the past. The tests detect proteins (antibodies) or genetic material of the virus that causes hepatitis. It is important to identify the type of hepatitis virus causing infection so that its spread can be prevented and the proper treatment can be started immediately.

Herpes Testing: Done to detect the presence of the herpes simplex virus. An HSV infection can cause small, painful blister-like sores of the skin or the tissue lining of the throat, nose, mouth, urethra, rectum, and vagina. A herpes infection may cause only a single outbreak of sores, but in many cases the person will have recurrent outbreaks. Tests for HSV are usually done only for sores in the genital area. In rare cases, the test may be done using other types of samples, such as spinal fluid, blood, urine, or tears.

Home Blood Glucose Test: A test that measures the amount of a type of sugar, called glucose, in your blood at the time of testing. The test can be done at home or anywhere, using a small portable machine called a blood glucose meter.

Home Blood Sugar Testing: A test that can be used at home to monitor your blood sugar levels. People with diabetes usually need to check the amount of sugar in their blood at least once a day. People who take insulin to control their diabetes may need to check their blood glucose level several times a day. Testing blood sugar at home is often called home blood sugar monitoring or self-testing. Some types of glucose monitors can store hundreds of glucose readings. This allows you to review collected glucose readings over time and predict glucose levels at certain times of the day. It also allows you to quickly spot any major changes in glucose levels. Some of these systems also allow information to be saved to a computer so that it can be turned into a graph or another easily analyzed form.

Home Lung Function Test: A test that uses a peak flow meter to monitor and evaluate any breathing problems you may have on a day-to-day basis. A peak flow meter allows you to measure your peak expiratory flow. If you have a lung disease, such as asthma, your health professional may test your peak inspiratory flow (PIF) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) to measure the amount of air you can inhale and exhale. This is part of a more complete lung function test.

Homocysteine Tests: This test measures the amount of the amino acide homocysteine in the blood. You may have high levels of homocysteine when cholesterol, white blood cells, calcium, and other substances build up in your blood vessels. This buildup may increase your chances of having a heart attack, stroke and blood clots in the lungs, which are called pulmonary embolisms or deep veins of the legs.

DISCLAIMER: The information contained within this personal injury site is of a general nature and is not meant to be a restatement of any rules of law. Your use of this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. You should hire an attorney to obtain legal advice for your specific case. 
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