The evaluation of someone who may have HIV or AIDS begins with a history and physical examination.

In the early stages of HIV infection, the physical exam is usually normal. Once HIV infection has progressed to AIDS, a variety of findings can be present.

Physical findings of AIDS include:

• Kaposi sarcoma
• Hairy leukoplakia (in the mouth)
• Muscle wasting
• Unintentional weight loss
• Fever
• Confusion
• Retinal disease
• Lymph node swelling:
• Swollen glands in the neck
• Swollen glands in the groin
• Swollen glands under the arm
• Oral thrush
• Pale skin and eyes:
• Signs of anemia
• Skin infections
• Pneumonia

Tests used to diagnose HIV infection and AIDS:

• HIV blood testing
• AIDS blood test (CD4 cell counts)

Other tests may include:

• Chlamydia test
• Gonorrhea test
• Syphilis test (VDRL)

Tests used to evaluate various infections and complications of AIDS include:

• Complete blood count
• Liver profile
• Kidney profile
• Electrolyte profile
• Urinalysis
• Blood cultures
• Urine cultures
• Stool cultures
• Chest x-ray
• Hepatitis testing
• Coagulation profile
• Skin biopsy
• Syphilis testing
• Tuberculosis skin testing
• CT scanning of the brain
• MRI scanning of the brain