Learn More about HIV

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that infects cells of the human immune system, destroying or impairing their function. HIV infection causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

HIV is a truly global epidemic. It is the world’s leading infectious killer,¹ and even after three decades of dramatically increased awareness, prevention, and treatment options, the statistics remain startling:

• More than 1.2 million people in the United States are living with HIV²
• 1 in 8 of those infected with HIV don’t know they have it²

These facts highlight the critical importance of global testing for HIV.

Risk Factors
According to the World Health Organization, primary risk factors for HIV include unprotected vaginal or anal sex; sharing contaminated needles, syringes, and other injecting equipment; unsafe blood transfusions and medical procedures; accidental needle-stick injuries; and other sexually transmitted infections, such as syphilis, herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and bacterial vaginosis.³

Prevention, Testing, and Therapy
Limiting exposure to and curbing behavior associated with these risk factors can reduce the probability of HIV infection.

In addition, early identification of HIV-positive individuals, viral load monitoring, and testing for the drug-resistance of particular strains of HIV may improve patient outcomes and reduce disease transmission. Clinical laboratory tests remain crucially important at every stage of the HIV-care continuum, as they provide clinicians with tools that allow them to manage patients more effectively.

There has been significant progress, including a 77% global increase from 2010 through 2013 in the number of people living with HIV who are receiving antiretroviral therapy.¹

One simple blood test could save lives.