Blood tests do not detect HIV. Blood tests and HIV are two completely separate tests. Blood tests are mainly used to detect blood cells, such as white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets, to determine whether the body is infected, has low platelets, or is anemic, etc. They have nothing to do with AIDS. To test for AIDS, blood should be drawn to check for HIV antibodies, antigens and HIV viral load. If these tests are positive, the patient will be diagnosed with HIV infection. Once the diagnosis of HIV infection is confirmed, the patient should be seen by a hospital as soon as possible. Further tests will be done to determine how the HIV virus is affecting the patient and whether the patient is immunocompromised. The patient should also be treated with antiviral drugs to avoid progression to the AIDS stage.