Some tests look for germs that may be causing problems, or may cause problems in the future. These include tests for the germs that cause such AIDS-related infections as toxoplasmosis, CMV, and MAC, as well as tests for several other infections (including STDs [sexually transmitted diseases]) common in people with HIV. Examples of some tests are:
Stain: Blood, stool (shit), mucus, urine (pee), sputum (saliva coughed up from your lungs), phlegm, spinal fluid, and tissue samples can be stained and examined under a microscope. If there are germs in the sample, the stain can make them easier to identify.
Culture: Samples of body fluids or tissues can be tested by culturing them. Samples are observed to discover which germs grow in them. Some germs, like those that cause MAC, are very slow growing, so it may take several weeks before a germ can be identified.
Scope: This is a very thin flexible tube with a light source and magnifying lens at one end. A variety of scopes are used to allow doctors to visually examine the inner parts of your body. A test done in this way is called an endoscopy. A gastroscope is inserted through your mouth into your stomach; a colonoscope is inserted though your anus (asshole) or colon (large intestine [gut]); a bronchoscope is inserted through your nose into your windpipe and lungs; a colposcope is inserted into your vagina to examine your cervix. Scopes can allow doctors to see lesions (abnormalities) on internal tissues and to take samples (biopsies).
Biopsy: A small sample of skin, muscle, lymph node, or even organ is removed from your body. The tissue sample is then examined under the microscope. The shape, number, and type of cells that make up the sample are studied and compared to the normal range. Biopsy samples may also be stained or cultured.