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NABL & ICMRAccreditedAn HIV Test identifies the presence of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the body. This virus when infected weakens the immune system, making it difficult to combat infections such as tuberculosis and even certain cancers. HIV primarily spreads through contact with blood or body fluids like saliva from an infected person, often during unprotected sex or needle sharing.
Without treatment, HIV can progress to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), the most advanced stage, where the immune system is severely compromised. This condition makes the body susceptible to opportunistic infections—germs that don't typically affect healthy individuals but can be deadly for those with AIDS—as well as certain cancers.
HIV exists in two main variants: HIV-1, which is more common and more likely to progress to AIDS, and HIV-2, which is less prevalent and less easily transmitted.
Early stages of HIV often lack obvious symptoms, so testing is crucial for early detection and treatment. HIV testing may be done routinely or after potential exposure to the virus. Early treatment enhances immune function, prevents the progression of AIDS, and reduces the risk of transmission to others. Pregnant women are also tested to minimize the risk of passing HIV to their babies.
Regular HIV testing not only aids in managing the infection effectively but also improves overall health and quality of life by preventing AIDS. An HIV test in Delhi can be conveniently done at home.
HIV tests ensure accurate diagnosis but cannot detect the virus immediately after infection due to the window period—the timeframe between HIV exposure and when a test can reliably identify the virus. The duration of this window varies according to the type of test used.
There are two primary types of HIV tests: antibody tests and antigen/antibody tests.
These tests detect antibodies related to HIV-1 and HIV-2 in blood or saliva samples. Antibodies are immune system proteins that the body produces to fight HIV and typically become detectable 23 to 90 days after exposure. Therefore, these tests are effective only after this period.
These tests look for both HIV antigens and antibodies. Antigens, like p24, are viral components that appear in the blood shortly after infection and prompt the immune system to produce antibodies. This test can identify HIV sooner than antibody tests alone, generally within 18 to 45 days after exposure.
Understanding the timelines of detection for each parameter is essential for determining the best time to undergo testing and obtaining an accurate HIV diagnosis after potential exposure.
When preparing for an HIV test in Delhi, there are important considerations to ensure you get accurate results and comprehend the implications fully. Here are key aspects to focus on:
Prerequisites
There are no special precautions required before taking an HIV test at home. However, it's crucial to grasp the test's purpose, potential outcomes, and the emotional impact it may have.
Best Time to Get Tested
Fasting is not required, so you can take the test at any time. Ideally, testing should occur 2-4 weeks after potential exposure to HIV. This timing aligns with the window period, varying with the test type and individual.
Who Should Take the Test
Current medical guidelines suggest that everyone aged 13 to 64 should be tested for HIV at least once as part of routine wellness checkups. Those under 18 require parental or guardian consent for testing. Testing is also advised during pregnancy, preferably in the first trimester. Regular testing is recommended for those at higher risk, including individuals who have multiple sex partners, engage in unprotected sex, have an HIV-positive partner, or sexually transmitted infections like syphilis or gonorrhoea, and those who share needles.
Cautions Before Taking the Test
There are no specific precautions before testing, but understanding the type of test and the window period for accurate results is crucial. Consult a doctor to ensure you are mentally prepared for the test and its potential outcomes.
HIV testing is essential as it’s the most accurate way to determine your HIV status, helping you and your partner maintain good health. A positive test result enables early treatment, promoting a long and healthy life while curbing the spread of HIV. A negative result helps you take measures to remain free from HIV.
Early-stage HIV often lacks symptoms, so testing might be the only method to detect the virus and stop its transmission. It is advised that everyone aged 13 to 64 get tested for HIV at least once during regular medical check-ups.
More frequent testing is recommended for those with certain risk factors. Annual HIV testing is suggested if you:
Have an HIV-positive partner
Engage in sexual activity with someone whose HIV status is unknown
Are males having a male sexual partner
Have multiple sexual partners
Have a sexually transmitted infection, tuberculosis, or hepatitis
Share needles for drug use
Bisexual and homosexual men may need testing every 3 to 6 months. It's crucial to discuss your risk factors and testing options with your doctor.
HIV testing is also recommended during each pregnancy. Early detection and treatment can prevent the baby from acquiring HIV.
HIV test home collection outcomes are based on the type of test employed—antibody tests or antigen/antibody tests. No test can detect the virus immediately after infection due to the window period, which is the span between exposure and HIV becoming detectable. This period varies for each person and test:
Antibody tests: Can detect HIV 23 to 90 days post-exposure.
Antigen/antibody tests: Can detect HIV 18 to 45 days post-exposure.
| Result | Range | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Positive | More than 1.0 | HIV antibodies/ antigens are detected. |
| Follow-up testing is needed for confirmation. A positive result on a follow-up test confirms HIV positive. | ||
| Borderline/Intermediate | More than 0.9 and less than 1.0 | An initial screening test is positive, but the 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 result on these tests requires immediate 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 regular check-ups, and retest as necessary. A negative result may necessitate retesting due to the window period. Remember, your result pertains only to you, not your partner. Testing together can assist 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.
The purpose of an HIV test at home is to identify HIV antibodies, antigens, or viral RNA in blood or oral fluid, thereby diagnosing HIV. Early diagnosis helps start effective treatment promptly and prevent virus spread.
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 Delhi 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.
The standard HIV test result is non-reactive if it measures less than 0.90. A reactive result, indicating HIV, occurs when the value is 1.00 or higher.
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 HIV testing will depend on your specific health circumstances, as assessed by your doctor.
The HIV test in Delhi examines blood or oral fluid for HIV antibodies, antigens, or viral RNA to determine the presence of HIV.
HIV infection symptoms may manifest initially as flu-like symptoms like fever, rash, chills, night sweats, muscle pains, throat irritation, and fatigue, typically within 2-4 weeks after exposure. As immune function declines, symptoms may progress to persistent cough, unintentional weight loss, mouth ulcers, swollen lymph nodes, and diarrhoea. If left untreated, severe infections or specific cancers may arise.
The stages of HIV infection include:
Stage 1 - acute infection, with flu-like symptoms lasting days to several weeks
Stage 2 - clinical latency, characterized by no symptoms and very low viral load, which may persist for 10-15 years
Stage 3 - AIDS, characterized by profound immune impairment and symptoms of severe infections.
The window period for HIV testing is the interval between potential exposure and when the virus can be accurately detected by a test. This period varies based on the type of test and may span from several weeks to a few months.
Orange Health Labs offers convenient HIV test at home at various locations in Delhi. It includes various locations like Connaught Place, Chandni Chowk, Karol Bagh, Lajpat Nagar, South Extension, Greater Kailash, Hauz Khas, Saket, Vasant Kunj, Dwarka, Rohini, Pitampura, Janakpuri, Rajouri Garden, Mayur Vihar, Preet Vihar, Shahdara, Laxmi Nagar, Green Park, Safdarjung Enclave, Defence Colony, New Friends Colony, Kalkaji, Malviya Nagar, and Nehru Place.
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