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What Tests Are Done To Detect HIV?
Question: Hello doctor
I have exposed to unprotected sex on 3rd April 14 whose HIV status is unknown.I want to get tested for the same.Can u please suggest any test which can be done immediately.
I know there is a window period ,but like to get tested immediately.Can u also recommend any hospital for Anonymous tests and also prescribe for the test.
Thx
I have exposed to unprotected sex on 3rd April 14 whose HIV status is unknown.I want to get tested for the same.Can u please suggest any test which can be done immediately.
I know there is a window period ,but like to get tested immediately.Can u also recommend any hospital for Anonymous tests and also prescribe for the test.
Thx
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Brief Answer:
HIV-PCR and p-24 Antigen tests can be done.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query.
You have mentioned that you have had unprotected sex about 15 days ago. Now, the usually done HIV test (i.e. HIV-ELISA) has a window period of upto 2 - 3 months.
However, certain more advanced tests have a much lesser window period of 2 to 3 weeks. So, if you are insistent on having a HIV test done immediately, then I would suggest the following two tests: p-24 antigen test and HIV-PCR test. You can have them done at a well-established lab such as Metropolis or Lal Path Labs.
Wish you all the best.
Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist
HIV-PCR and p-24 Antigen tests can be done.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query.
You have mentioned that you have had unprotected sex about 15 days ago. Now, the usually done HIV test (i.e. HIV-ELISA) has a window period of upto 2 - 3 months.
However, certain more advanced tests have a much lesser window period of 2 to 3 weeks. So, if you are insistent on having a HIV test done immediately, then I would suggest the following two tests: p-24 antigen test and HIV-PCR test. You can have them done at a well-established lab such as Metropolis or Lal Path Labs.
Wish you all the best.
Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
also want to know if i get premaritial test will the above said tests include or specifically i have to mention.
Apollo Premarital Checkup (Male)
Complete Haemogram, Blood Group & Rh Typing, RBS, HbA1C, VDRL, HIV, HbsAg, Urine routine, Semen Analysis, Consultation with Urologist.
Note: Semen Analysis testing not available on Sundays and Public Holiday.
Apollo Premarital Checkup (Male)
Complete Haemogram, Blood Group & Rh Typing, RBS, HbA1C, VDRL, HIV, HbsAg, Urine routine, Semen Analysis, Consultation with Urologist.
Note: Semen Analysis testing not available on Sundays and Public Holiday.
Brief Answer:
The two mentioned labs are available in Bangalore.
Detailed Answer:
Hi again,
Both the labs that I have mentioned - Metropolis and Lal Path Labs - have branches in Bangalore. You will not need a prescription for them in these labs.
Regarding Apollo Premarital Check up, the specific tests that I mentioned are not included. The HIV test included in that is the usual HIV-ELISA test, which has a window period of 2 to 3 months.
Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist
The two mentioned labs are available in Bangalore.
Detailed Answer:
Hi again,
Both the labs that I have mentioned - Metropolis and Lal Path Labs - have branches in Bangalore. You will not need a prescription for them in these labs.
Regarding Apollo Premarital Check up, the specific tests that I mentioned are not included. The HIV test included in that is the usual HIV-ELISA test, which has a window period of 2 to 3 months.
Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hello,
I had visited metropolis and they said prescription is mandatory.
Kindly advise which doctor to meet to take the prescription.
Thx
I had visited metropolis and they said prescription is mandatory.
Kindly advise which doctor to meet to take the prescription.
Thx
Brief Answer:
You can meet any any general practitioner...
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
You can meet any general practitioner for the lab test request / prescription. You may have to tell him your history and the reason why you would like to get tested. You can mention that you have consulted a specialist online and have been advised these specific tests (since a some general practitioners may not be aware of these specific tests as they are not done routinely).
Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist
You can meet any any general practitioner...
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
You can meet any general practitioner for the lab test request / prescription. You may have to tell him your history and the reason why you would like to get tested. You can mention that you have consulted a specialist online and have been advised these specific tests (since a some general practitioners may not be aware of these specific tests as they are not done routinely).
Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you,
They also asked me what specific test in P24 Antigen?
Like 1 ,2 something like that..
Kindly suggest?
They also asked me what specific test in P24 Antigen?
Like 1 ,2 something like that..
Kindly suggest?
Brief Answer:
For HIV 1 & 2
Detailed Answer:
The tests are to be done for HIV 1 & 2.
For HIV 1 & 2
Detailed Answer:
The tests are to be done for HIV 1 & 2.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
hello doctor
got both the test done.they said P24 Antigen test results today by evening and PCR on wednesday
Is P24 Antigen test is sufficient to rule out possibility of infection?
Investigation ___________ Findings _______ Reference Range _______________
Name : Gender M
Method ______
: Ref. No. :
: :
Ref. By :
Report Issued On : 21-Apr-2014, 20:11 Hrs
HIV-p24 Antigen Non Reactive Non Reactive ELISA
Cut off value 0.530
Test value 0.347 ELISA
Non reactive result does not rule out HIV infection since levels of HIV antibodies may not be detectable in
the early stages of the infection.
Comments :
Non reactive result does not rule out HIV infection since levels of HIV antibodies may not be detectable in
the early stages of the infection.
Comments :
End of Result
please suggest can i be comfortable?
got both the test done.they said P24 Antigen test results today by evening and PCR on wednesday
Is P24 Antigen test is sufficient to rule out possibility of infection?
Investigation ___________ Findings _______ Reference Range _______________
Name : Gender M
Method ______
: Ref. No. :
: :
Ref. By :
Report Issued On : 21-Apr-2014, 20:11 Hrs
HIV-p24 Antigen Non Reactive Non Reactive ELISA
Cut off value 0.530
Test value 0.347 ELISA
Non reactive result does not rule out HIV infection since levels of HIV antibodies may not be detectable in
the early stages of the infection.
Comments :
Non reactive result does not rule out HIV infection since levels of HIV antibodies may not be detectable in
the early stages of the infection.
Comments :
End of Result
please suggest can i be comfortable?
Brief Answer:
Yes, you can be comfortable...
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Both the tests - the p24 antigen test and the ELISA antibody test are Negative. So, you can relax and be comfortable.
Don't worry about the comment "Non reactive result does not rule out HIV infection since levels of HIV antibodies may not be detectable in the early stages of the infection". This comment refers to the ELISA test which has a window period of 2 to 3 months - hence the disclaimer.
Now, don't forget to ALWAYS practice only safe sex in the future.
Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist
Yes, you can be comfortable...
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Both the tests - the p24 antigen test and the ELISA antibody test are Negative. So, you can relax and be comfortable.
Don't worry about the comment "Non reactive result does not rule out HIV infection since levels of HIV antibodies may not be detectable in the early stages of the infection". This comment refers to the ELISA test which has a window period of 2 to 3 months - hence the disclaimer.
Now, don't forget to ALWAYS practice only safe sex in the future.
Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you very much Doctor.You were of great Help!
Will Take your advice positively.
Will Take your advice positively.
Brief Answer:
You're welcome...
Detailed Answer:
You're welcome. Take care.
Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
(Please leave a rating and review if you are happy with my help.)
You're welcome...
Detailed Answer:
You're welcome. Take care.
Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
(Please leave a rating and review if you are happy with my help.)
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Doctor,
I havent got PCR report as yet....I had given the sample on 21st Monday ...i got the test done in Central Lab..since they said they dont do PCR they had sent it to different lab.
Does it take so long for PCR ...as per them they said it will be given on 23 wednesday..
hope everything is fine?
Thx
I havent got PCR report as yet....I had given the sample on 21st Monday ...i got the test done in Central Lab..since they said they dont do PCR they had sent it to different lab.
Does it take so long for PCR ...as per them they said it will be given on 23 wednesday..
hope everything is fine?
Thx
Brief Answer:
PCR is an advanced test and may take time...
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
PCR test is an advanced test and may be carried out only in a few select labs. So, sending the sample to the respective lab and processing it may take time. Also, because it is not a commonly prescribed test, these labs may do it only on specific days in a week and not everyday. This may also be another reason for the time delay. Don't worry, the delay has nothing to do with the result of the test.
You can inform me the test result as soon as it is available.
Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
PCR is an advanced test and may take time...
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
PCR test is an advanced test and may be carried out only in a few select labs. So, sending the sample to the respective lab and processing it may take time. Also, because it is not a commonly prescribed test, these labs may do it only on specific days in a week and not everyday. This may also be another reason for the time delay. Don't worry, the delay has nothing to do with the result of the test.
You can inform me the test result as soon as it is available.
Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Central lab called me and said since PCR test is outsourced there was problem with machine and asked me to give the sample again..
she also told me not to worry since machine had problem and hence asking for the sample again.....
kindly let me now if this is true or it could be they have tested me positive and asking my sample again to recheck
she also told me not to worry since machine had problem and hence asking for the sample again.....
kindly let me now if this is true or it could be they have tested me positive and asking my sample again to recheck
Brief Answer:
Nothing to worry
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I understand that you've gotten a bit worried after the slightly unexpected turn of events. Now, there is nothing to worry and what the lab has told you is very likely to be true. As I had already mentioned earlier, PCR is a relatively uncommon test and is done only at select labs. Moreover, no lab has the right to do any re-testing without the permission of the client. So, this is just a technical issue. You can relax...
Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Nothing to worry
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I understand that you've gotten a bit worried after the slightly unexpected turn of events. Now, there is nothing to worry and what the lab has told you is very likely to be true. As I had already mentioned earlier, PCR is a relatively uncommon test and is done only at select labs. Moreover, no lab has the right to do any re-testing without the permission of the client. So, this is just a technical issue. You can relax...
Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
21-Apr-2014, 14:45 HrsBilled On
Mr. XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
006325
SELF
Age 35 Yrs
Investigation___________ Findings_______ Reference Range_______________
Name : Gender M
Method______
: Ref. No. :
: :
:Ref. By
Report Issued On : 29-Apr-2014, 16:05 Hrs
Nucleic Acid Testing for HIV-I(RNA) Lower than detectable limits.
This test is used to monitor confirmed cases and not for primary diagnosis
Analytical sensitivity 53 IU/ml.Comments : Analytical sensitivity 53 IU/ml.Comments :
End of Report
Mr. XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
006325
SELF
Age 35 Yrs
Investigation___________ Findings_______ Reference Range_______________
Name : Gender M
Method______
: Ref. No. :
: :
:Ref. By
Report Issued On : 29-Apr-2014, 16:05 Hrs
Nucleic Acid Testing for HIV-I(RNA) Lower than detectable limits.
This test is used to monitor confirmed cases and not for primary diagnosis
Analytical sensitivity 53 IU/ml.Comments : Analytical sensitivity 53 IU/ml.Comments :
End of Report
they have done Viral Load RNA test ...is it same as you recommended fro PCR
Brief Answer:
It is the same test and the result is negative...
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
The RNA test which they have done is the same as the PCR test. It is a very specific test which directly looks for the copies of the viral RNA.
The result of the test that you have enclosed is negative. So, there is nothing to worry about. You can relax and put your mind to rest.
Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
It is the same test and the result is negative...
Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
The RNA test which they have done is the same as the PCR test. It is a very specific test which directly looks for the copies of the viral RNA.
The result of the test that you have enclosed is negative. So, there is nothing to worry about. You can relax and put your mind to rest.
Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you very much Doctor...
Any further test is required at later stage to recheck ?
Any further test is required at later stage to recheck ?
Brief Answer:
No more tests required...
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
You have had the all the most advanced and specific tests done and all 3 tests are negative. So, you don't need to have any more tests again. You can relax and be at peace.
Wish you all the best.
Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
No more tests required...
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
You have had the all the most advanced and specific tests done and all 3 tests are negative. So, you don't need to have any more tests again. You can relax and be at peace.
Wish you all the best.
Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you Doctor,
Sorry to bother again...Since am married i want to rule out any possibilities of STD as well,,
Does this require any specific tests or the tests that i have done will be sufficient....
Sorry to bother again...Since am married i want to rule out any possibilities of STD as well,,
Does this require any specific tests or the tests that i have done will be sufficient....
Brief Answer:
There are other tests for STDs...
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Regarding STDs, there are other tests that need to be done. Some labs have a package called "STD profile". If this is not available, then you can get the following tets done specifically:
VDRL
Hepatitis B & C
HSV 1 & 2
Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist
There are other tests for STDs...
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Regarding STDs, there are other tests that need to be done. Some labs have a package called "STD profile". If this is not available, then you can get the following tets done specifically:
VDRL
Hepatitis B & C
HSV 1 & 2
Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist
Note: Get personalized answers to your HIV related queries You can choose to talk face to face with your doctor. Book a Video Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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