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NABL & ICMRAccreditedHIV test is conducted to detect the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the body. This virus compromises the immune system, making it harder to fight off infections such as tuberculosis and some cancers. HIV is typically transmitted through contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person, through unprotected sex or shared needles, among other ways.
Without treatment, HIV can evolve into acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), the most critical stage where the immune system is severely impaired. This condition increases vulnerability to opportunistic infections, microorganisms that are not harmful to healthy people but can be life-threatening to those with AIDS, and certain cancers.
HIV is of two types: HIV-1, which is more widespread and more likely to lead to AIDS, and HIV-2, which is less common and less easily transmitted.
Since early HIV infection often has no symptoms, testing is the only way to detect the virus early and start treatment. HIV testing can be a routine part of health care or done after a potential exposure. Early intervention can strengthen the immune system, prevent the development of AIDS, and lower the risk of spreading HIV to others. Pregnant women are also tested to reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission.
Regular HIV testing plays a crucial role in controlling the infection and enhancing health and quality of life by preventing AIDS. In Mumbai, at-home HIV testing services are available for convenience.
HIV tests are very precise but cannot detect the virus immediately following exposure due to the window period, i.e., the span between initial HIV contact and when a test can reliably confirm the virus. The length of this period varies depending on the type of HIV test.
There are two main types of HIV tests: antibody tests and antigen/antibody tests.
These tests detect both HIV antigens and antibodies. Antigens, such as p24, are components of the virus that appear in the blood soon after infection and prompt the immune system to produce antibodies. This test can identify HIV earlier than antibody tests, generally within 18 to 45 days after exposure.
These tests identify antibodies to HIV-1 and HIV-2 in blood or oral fluids. Antibodies are immune system proteins developed by the body to combat HIV and usually become detectable 23 to 90 days after exposure. Therefore, these tests are effective only after this period has passed.
Understanding these testing parameters is vital for determining the best time to test and achieving an accurate HIV diagnosis following possible exposure.
When getting ready for an HIV test at home, consider the following important factors to ensure accurate results and a clear understanding of the implications:
Prerequisites
No special precautions are necessary before taking an HIV test in Mumbai. Nonetheless, it’s important to understand why you’re taking the test, the potential outcomes, and the emotional journey you might experience.
Best Time to Get Tested
Testing can be conducted at any time of the day as the test does not require fasting. However, it’s best to wait at least 2-4 weeks after potential HIV exposure before testing. This allows for the window period—the time between exposure and virus detection—which varies with the type of test and the individual’s immunity.
Who Should Take the Test
It is suggested that everyone aged 13 to 64 be tested for HIV at least once as part of their routine healthcare evaluation. Individuals below 18 years of age require consent from a parent/guardian before testing. Testing during pregnancy is also advised, particularly in the first trimester. Regular testing is recommended for those at higher risk, including individuals who have an HIV-positive partner, who engage in unprotected intercourse, who have multiple sexual partners, who use shared needles, or who have sexually transmitted infections like syphilis or gonorrhea.
Cautions Before Taking the Test
There are no specific cautions to be kept in mind before testing, but it’s crucial to understand the type of HIV test and the window period for accurate results. Discussing with a doctor can help ensure you are mentally prepared for the test and its possible outcomes.
Getting tested for HIV is vital because it’s the only reliable way to ascertain your HIV status, helping you and your partner stay healthy. A positive test result allows for early treatment initiation, which can lead to a long, healthy life and reduce the risk of spreading HIV. A negative result allows you to take measures to remain HIV-negative.
HIV often doesn’t exhibit symptoms in the early stages, making testing potentially the sole means of identifying the virus and preventing its spread. It is recommended that everyone between 13 and 64 be tested for HIV at least once during routine healthcare.
Those with certain risk factors should undergo more frequent testing. Annual HIV testing is advised if you:
Have a sexually transmitted infection, tuberculosis, or hepatitis
Have multiple sexual partners
Are a man who has sex with other men
Share needles for drug use
Have sex with someone whose HIV status is unknown
Have an HIV-positive sexual partner
Frequent testing every 3 to 6 months may be necessary for homosexual and bisexual men. It’s essential to talk with your doctor about your risk factors and testing options.
Pregnant women should be tested for HIV during each pregnancy. Early detection and intervention can prevent HIV transmission to the baby.
The outcomes of an HIV test, home collection or otherwise, depend on the type of test used—either antibody tests or antigen/antibody tests. No test can immediately detect the virus after infection due to the window period, which is the time after which the HIV becomes detectable. This period varies among individuals and test types:
Antibody tests: Detect HIV between 23 to 90 days after exposure.
Antigen/antibody tests: Detect HIV between 18 to 45 days after 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 necessitates immediate care and treatment provided by the Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre (ICTC) to reduce the virus to undetectable levels. Inform your partner(s) of your status, attend regular check-ups, and consider retesting as needed. A negative result may require retesting due to the window period. Remember, your result applies only to you and not your partner. Testing together can guide both of you in making informed choices.
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 at home identifies HIV antibodies, antigens, or viral RNA in blood or oral fluid, aiding an HIV diagnosis. Early detection enables timely treatment commencement and virus transmission prevention.
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 Mumbai 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 HIV test results are reported as reactive and non-reactive. A normal result is non-reactive, indicating a value below 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 is decided by your doctor following a thorough assessment of your health status.
The HIV test in Mumbai analyses blood or oral fluids to identify HIV antibodies, antigens, or viral RNA, critical indicators of HIV infection.
Symptoms of HIV infection may initially include flu-like symptoms such as fever, tiredness, rashes, chills, and muscle pain, throat irritation, typically occurring 2-4 weeks after exposure. As the immune system becomes compromised, symptoms may progress to swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, diarrhoea, mouth ulcers, and cough. Untreated, severe infections or specific cancers can manifest.
HIV infection progresses through three stages:
Stage 1 - acute infection, marked by flu-like symptoms lasting from days to weeks.
Stage 2 - clinical latency, during which no symptoms are typically present, and the viral load remains very low; often this phase lasts for 10-15 years.
Stage 3 - AIDS, characterized by extensive immune damage and symptoms of severe infections.
An HIV test window period is the duration from potential exposure to when the virus can be reliably detected by a test. This period varies according to the type of test utilized and can range from a few weeks to several months.
Orange Health Labs provides convenient HIV test at home covering various localities such as Colaba, Nariman Point, Marine Drive, Malabar Hill, Churchgate, Worli, Dadar, Parel, Byculla, Bandra, Andheri, Juhu, Ghatkopar, Powai, Chembur, Vashi, Belapur, Santacruz, Khar, Versova, Lokhandwala, Goregaon, Borivali, Kandivali, Mulund, Bhandup, and Kurla.
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