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.
Although most HIV tests look for these antibodies, some look for the virus itself. The period after infection but before the test becomes positive is called the window period. Deciding when to get tested therefore depends on when you may have been exposed and which test is used.You can ask your health care provider about the window period for the HIV test you are taking. If you are using a home test, you can get that information from the materials included in the packaging of the test.lthough most HIV tests look for these antibodies, some look for the virus itself. The period after infection but before the test becomes positive is called the window period. Deciding when to get tested therefore depends on when you may have been exposed and which test is used.