HIV Diagnostics Issues - Essay Example

There are four most common routes of HIV transmission. HIV is a sexually transmitted disease and as a result, many people suffering from the disease have acquired it through having unprotected sex with the infected (Crandall, 3). This is the most common route of HIV transmission. The disease can also be transmitted from the infected mother to the child during birth. Mother-to-child infection is only possible if care is not taken during delivery to prevent blood contact. Sharing sharp objects with the HIV victims is also another major route of HIV transmission. This kind of HIV transmission is only possible if an HIV victim’s blood is on a sharp object and pricks someone else who is HIV-free. Blood transfusion is also another major route of HIV transmission. HIV victims can transmit HIV by donating blood to an uninfected person. Special care should therefore be taken to ascertain that blood is properly screened to determine any signs of HIV.

Getting tested for HIV is a simple and easy method. Currently, there are test kits that are available from the chemists and heath centres. These kits enable a person to test him or herself by taking a small blood sample and waiting for the results to show in less than five minutes. However, the process of testing for HIV needs courage and hence many people are reluctant to take the test. This is due to the notion that they cannot cope with the news of their being HIV positive.