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NABL & ICMRAccreditedThe HIV test is done to detect the presence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the body. This virus attacks and weakens the immune system, making it difficult for the body to fight off infections like tuberculosis and certain cancers. HIV is primarily transmitted through contact with blood or other bodily fluids of an HIV-infected person, often during unprotected sex or while sharing needles to inject drugs.
Left untreated, HIV can develop into acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), the most severe stage where the immune system is severely compromised. This makes the body vulnerable to opportunistic infections—germs that do not usually harm healthy individuals but can be life-threatening in people with AIDS, and also certain cancers. HIV is classified into two main types: HIV-1 and HIV-2. HIV-1 is more prevalent globally than HIV-2, being more easily transmitted and more likely to progress to AIDS compared to HIV-2.
HIV usually does not cause symptoms in the early stages, so getting an HIV test may be the only way to detect the infection and start early treatment. The test may be done as a routine screening or to check for infection after a possible exposure. Early treatment can strengthen your immune system, prevent progression to AIDS, and help you avoid spreading HIV to others. HIV test may also be ordered during pregnancy. Receiving early treatment can greatly reduce the risk of spreading HIV to the baby.
Regular HIV testing not only helps in controlling the infection effectively but also improves overall health and quality of life by preventing AIDS.
If you wish to get an HIV test in Bangalore done, you can opt for the convenience of HIV test at home services.
HIV tests are highly accurate but cannot detect the virus immediately after infection due to the window period—the time between HIV exposure and when a test can reliably detect the virus. The length of this period varies depending on the test type.
There are two main types of HIV tests: antibody tests, antigen/antibody tests
These tests detect antibodies associated with HIV-1 and HIV-2 in blood or oral fluid samples. Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system to fight HIV. It typically takes 23 to 90 days after exposure for these antibodies to develop, so this test is effective after this period.
These tests check for both HIV antigens and antibodies. Antigens are components of the virus, such as p24, which appear in the blood shortly after infection and trigger the immune system to produce antibodies. This test can detect HIV earlier than antibody tests alone, usually 18 to 45 days after exposure.
Understanding these parameters is crucial for determining the optimal time for testing and obtaining an accurate diagnosis after possible exposure to HIV.
Preparing for an HIV test involves several important considerations to ensure accurate results and proper understanding of the implications. Here are some key points to note when preparing for an HIV test:
Prerequisites
Generally, no specific precautions are needed before your HIV test. However, it is essential to understand the purpose of the test, potential outcome, and the emotional impact it may have.
Best Time to Get Tested
No fasting is necessary, so you can get tested at any time. However, the optimal time for testing is at least 2-4 weeks after potential exposure to HIV. This is because the window period, which is the time between exposure and virus detection, varies depending on the test and the individual.
Eligibility for HIV Test
According to standard medical guidelines, all individuals aged 13 to 64 years should get tested at least once for HIV as part of routine healthcare. However, for individuals under 18 years old, parental/guardian’s consent is required for HIV testing. Testing is also recommended during pregnancy, preferably in the first trimester. Individuals at a higher risk of exposure to HIV, such as those engaging in unprotected sex, those with an HIV-positive partner or multiple sex partners, those with a sexually transmitted infection such as syphilis or gonorrhoea, and those who share needles to inject drugs, may need regular testing.
Cautions Before Taking the HIV Test
While there are no specific cautions to take before the test, it's crucial to understand the type of test you will be taking and the window period for accurate results and consult a doctor to ensure you are mentally prepared for the test and its possible outcomes.
Testing for HIV is important as it's the only way to know your HIV status and keep yourself and your partner healthy. A positive result allows you to start treatment, ensuring a long and healthy life while preventing transmission. A negative result lets you take proactive steps to remain HIV-free.
HIV often has no symptoms in its early stages, so testing might be the only way to detect the virus and prevent its spread. It is recommended that everyone between 13 and 64 get tested at least once during routine medical care.
Individuals with certain risk factors should get tested more frequently. It is recommended to test at least once a year if you:
Are a man who has sex with other men
Have sex with an HIV-positive partner
Have multiple partners
Share needles when injecting drugs
Have a sexually transmitted infection, tuberculosis, or hepatitis
Have sex with someone whose HIV status you don’t know
Frequent HIV testing, every 3 to 6 months, may be necessary for gay and bisexual men. It is crucial to consult your healthcare provider to discuss your risk factors and testing options.
For pregnant women, HIV testing should be conducted during each pregnancy. Early detection and treatment can prevent the baby from being born with HIV.
HIV test results depend on the test type: antibody tests, antigen/antibody tests. No test can detect the virus immediately post-infection due to the window period—the time between exposure and when HIV is detectable. The window period varies from person to person and for each test as follows:
Antibody tests: Can detect HIV 23 to 90 days after exposure.
Antigen/antibody tests: Can detect HIV 18 to 45 days after exposure.
The table below can help you interpret the results of the HIV test:
| Result | Range | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Positive | More than 1.0 | HIV antibodies/ antigens are detected. |
| Follow-up testing is needed for confirmation. A positive result on follow-up test confirms HIV positive. | ||
| Borderline/Intermediate | More than 0.9 and less than 1.0 | Initial screening test is positive, but follow-up test is negative. |
| HIV viral load (NAT) test may be needed for further confirmation | ||
| Negative | Less than 0.9 | HIV antibodies/antigens are not detected. |
| If no potential exposure within the test's window period, it is considered negative for HIV infection. If exposure is present, consider retesting. |
A positive diagnosis on this test necessitates prompt care and treatment provided by the Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre (ICTC) to reduce the virus to undetectable levels. Communicate your status to your partners, adhere to check-ups, and retest as needed. A negative result may need retesting due to the window period. Remember, your result only applies to you, not your partner. Testing together can guide both of you in making informed decisions.
The HIV Test price is ₹ 900. This price includes the fastest home sample collection within 60 of booking, and the reports are available in 12 hours.
Yes, Orange Health Labs offers HIV test home collection, allowing convenient testing from the comfort of your home. You can book the test from the Orange Health Labs website or app. The blood sample will be collected by an eMedic within 60 minutes of booking.
An HIV test detects HIV antibodies, antigens, or viral RNA in the blood or oral fluid, thereby helping in the diagnosis of HIV. Early diagnosis allows for the initiation of prompt, effective treatment and prevention of the spread of the virus.
No, you do not need to fast before an HIV blood test.
Listed below are the steps to book any blood test or health checkup on our platform
Search for the Test: Look for the HIV Test in Bangalore or at home and click on Orange Health’s listing.
Review and Book: Select the test, check the test prerequisites, enter your Address and confirm the booking after picking a suitable time slot for sample collection.
Sample Collection: Our skilled eMedic will arrive within your chosen time slot to collect the sample at your home.
Lab Processing: The collected sample will be sent to and examined at our NABL accredited and ICMR approved labs.
Receive Results: You will receive your reports via email or WhatsApp within 12 hours. They will also be available on our app.
A normal HIV test result is non-reactive, meaning it is less than 0.90. If the result is 1.00 or higher, it is considered reactive, indicating HIV.
The HIV test sample collection takes only about 5 minutes, and the results will be sent to you by email or WhatsApp within 12 hours of sample collection.
The frequency of the HIV test will be decided by your doctor after a complete assessment of your condition.
An HIV test looks for HIV antibodies, antigens, or viral RNA in a sample of blood or oral fluid to determine if you have HIV.
About 2-4 weeks after exposure, an individual with HIV may have flu-like symptoms such as fever, rash, chills, night sweats, muscle pains, throat irritation, and tiredness. As the immune system weakens, there may be swollen lymph nodes, mouth ulcers, weight loss, diarrhoea, and cough. Without treatment, symptoms of severe infections or certain cancers can develop.
HIV infection has three stages: Stage 1 - acute infection, with flu-like illness that may last days to several weeks; Stage 2 - clinical latency, with no symptoms and very low viral load, may last for 10-15 years; Stage 3 - AIDS, with severe immune damage and symptoms of severe infections.
Without having to visit a physical lab, Orange Health provides the fastest HIV test services near you across Bangalore at the convenience of your home. Localities include but not limited to Adugodi, Banashankari, Bannerghatta, Basavanagudi, Bellandur, BTM Layout, Chamrajpet, Cottonpet, CV Raman Nagar, Domlur, Electronic City, Frazer Town, Giri Nagar, Hebbal, Hennur, Hosur, HSR Layout, Jakkur, Jalahalli, Jaya Nagar, Kadugodi, Kammanahalli, Kengeri, Koramangala, Mahalakshmi Layout, Madiwala, Magadi Road, Malleshwaram, Marathahalli, Mathikere, Mysore Road, Nagarbhavi, Nandhini Layout, Old Airport Road, Peenya, RT Nagar, Rajaji Nagar, Rajarajeshwari Nagar, Sadashivnagar, Sahakara Nagar, Sanjay Nagar, Sarjapur, Seshadripuram, Shanthi Nagar, Shivaji Nagar, Sri Nagar, Tyagarajnagar, Uttarahalli, Vasanth Nagar, Vidyaranyapura, Vijaya Nagar, Whitefield, Yelahanka, Yeshwantpur.
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