What are HIV and AIDS?
"AIDS" (*1) refers to a condition in which a person is infected with a virus called "HIV" (*2), which weakens the immune system and causes various specific diseases.
A few weeks after being infected with HIV, flu-like symptoms (fever, muscle aches, headache, etc.) may appear. After that, there is usually a period of several years where no symptoms are noticed, but during that time, the immune system's ability to fight disease decreases. After that, people begin to develop opportunistic infections (*3). In particular, if a person develops a "defining disease" (*4), they are diagnosed with AIDS.
If a person is unaware of their HIV infection and does not take appropriate measures, they may transmit HIV to others. In order to prevent this, early detection of HIV infection is important.
*1 AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome): Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
*2 HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
*3 Opportunistic infections: diseases such as pneumonia that would normally be suppressed by one's own immune system.
*4 Index diseases: Kaposi's sarcoma, Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, malignant lymphoma, etc.
Source: Government Public Relations Online (https://www.gov-online.go.jp/useful/article/201305/2.html#firsrSection)
What is syphilis?
Infection route : The main route of infection is sexual contact (direct contact with another person's mucous membranes or skin). The cause is Treponema pallidum (bacteria).
Symptoms : When infected, various symptoms appear throughout the body (ulcers, red rash, tumors, organ damage, etc.).
Risks of neglect : Delaying treatment can lead to serious complications in the brain and heart.
Treatment : Early antibiotic treatment can lead to complete recovery. It is important not to discontinue treatment on your own judgment.
Reinfection : Reinfection can occur even after recovery, so prevention is necessary.
Infection during pregnancy : If a pregnant woman becomes infected, there is a risk of miscarriage and congenital syphilis. Appropriate treatment can reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission.
How to use
1.
Allow the test kit to stand at room temperature.
2.
Once opened, remove the test device and use it as soon as possible.
3.
Wash your hands and wipe the fingertip where you will be taking the blood with an alcohol-based disinfectant cloth. (In winter, wash your hands with warm water to improve blood circulation.)
*Please be sure to disinfect the blood collection site as there is a risk of infection if pathogenic microorganisms adhere to the site.
4.
Remove the lancet (blood collection needle). Hold the holder firmly and twist off the protective cap.
5.
Remove the protective cap from the lancet by pulling it off and discarding it immediately.
*Do not leave the protective cap unscrewed and removed, as this may result in the needle being accidentally fired.
6.
The fingertip from which the blood will be collected is disinfected with a cotton swab and thoroughly dried.
*Please be sure to disinfect the blood collection site as there is a risk of infection if pathogenic microorganisms adhere to the site.
7.
Press the tip of the lancet against the needle until you hear a click.
Gently press around the area where the blood will be drawn to release a bead of blood.
8.
Remove the cover of the tester and immerse the test device directly into the blood (blood will be drawn into the capillary tube).
9.
Insert the capillary tube soaked in blood into the original tube and push it all the way in. (By inserting it all the way in, it will react with the test liquid at the top.)
10.
Place the test device vertically, let it sit for 15 minutes, and then check the results.
*Please check the results of the test.
*If you leave it for more than 30 minutes, the test results will not be useful. Be sure to check the results after 15 minutes.
11.
Apply a bandage to the wound where the blood was taken to stop the bleeding and protect it. If the wound does not heal easily, consult a doctor for advice.
Determining test results
negative
A line appears only on the control line (C line) and no line appears on the test line (T line).
positive
When a line appears on the control line (C line) and also on the test line (T line).
invalid
If no line appears on the control line (C line), the test result will be invalid regardless of whether or not a line appears on the test line (T line).