Definition

A test to check for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. HIV is the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). An HIV DNA test checks for DNA (genetic material) from the virus in a sample of blood. This test can find HIV in the blood about 9-11 days after the person is infected with the virus. An HIV DNA test may be used to test someone who has just become infected with HIV and it may also be used to test for infection in infants born to mothers infected with HIV.