Module 8: Preparation for Test Results
Module 8: Preparation for Test Results , Screen 4 of 10
Ingrid Explains HIV Antibodies
Laurie: OK.
Ingrid: Stop me if I’m saying stuff you already know. When HIV infects someone’s body, the body tries to fight it off by building antibodies, kind of like soldiers that try to fight off HIV.
Laurie: Yeah, I remember hearing something about this.
Ingrid: What do you remember?
Laurie: That those antibodies can’t fight HIV all that well, which is why people get sick.
Ingrid: That’s right. The rapid test is looking for these antibodies. It’s looking for the body’s reaction to HIV. But it takes a while for the body to build up enough antibodies so that they will show up on the test.
Ask yourself: What is an antibody?
If you’re not sure, reread the last few screens.
Ingrid Explains HIV Antibodies
Laurie: OK.
Ingrid: Stop me if I’m saying stuff you already know. When HIV infects someone’s body, the body tries to fight it off by building antibodies, kind of like soldiers that try to fight off HIV.
Laurie: Yeah, I remember hearing something about this.Ingrid: What do you remember?
Laurie: That those antibodies can’t fight HIV all that well, which is why people get sick.
Ingrid: That’s right. The rapid test is looking for these antibodies. It’s looking for the body’s reaction to HIV. But it takes a while for the body to build up enough antibodies so that they will show up on the test.
Ask yourself: What is an antibody?
If you’re not sure, reread the last few screens.