1 Unsparing, harsh, or strict, as in treatment of others: a severe critic. 2  Marked by or requiring strict adherence to rigorous standards or high principles: a severe code of behavior. 3  Stern or forbidding, as in manner or appearance: spoke in a severe voice. 4  Extremely plain in substance or style: a severe black dress.
The most common HIV test is the antibody screening test (immunoassay), which tests for the antibodies that your body makes against HIV.The immunoassay may be conducted in a lab or as a rapid test at the testing site.hese tests cost more than antibody tests and are generally not used as a screening test, although your doctor may order one as a follow-up test, after a positive antibody test, or as part of a clinical workup. To learn more about HIV tests that are FDA-approved for use in the United States, visit CDCâs U.S. HIV tests.
Most tests looks for signs of HIV in your blood. A small sample of blood is taken from your arm. The blood is sent to a lab and tested for HIV. There are other tests available that check for HIV in the urine and oral fluid. The urine test is not very sensitive. There are currently two FDA-approved oral fluid tests.