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NABL & ICMRAccreditedAn HIV test is used to detect the presence of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The virus attacks the immune system, weakening it and making it difficult to fight off infections such as tuberculosis and certain cancers. The virus is commonly transmitted through the blood or body fluids of an infected person, typically during unprotected sex or when sharing needles.
If left untreated, HIV can progress to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), the most severe stage where the immune system is critically compromised. This stage makes individuals vulnerable to opportunistic infections that don't usually affect healthy people but can be dangerous in those with AIDS, and some cancers.
HIV is classified into two main types: HIV-1, which is more widespread and more likely to progress to AIDS, and HIV-2, which is less common and less easily transmitted.
Early HIV infection often has no symptoms, so testing is vital for early detection and treatment. HIV tests can be part of routine screenings or performed after possible exposure. Early treatment can enhance the immune system, prevent AIDS, and reduce the likelihood of transmitting HIV to others. Pregnant women are also tested to minimize the risk of passing the virus to their babies.
Routine HIV testing is essential for managing the infection and improving overall health and quality of life by preventing AIDS. You can have an HIV test in Noida conveniently at home.
Though HIV tests are extremely accurate, they cannot detect the virus immediately after infection due to the window period—the gap between exposure to HIV and the time when a test can reliably identify presence of the virus. The duration of this period varies with the type of test used.
There are two primary HIV tests at home: antibody tests and antigen/antibody tests.
These tests detect antibodies to HIV-1 and HIV-2 in blood or oral fluid samples. Antibodies, which are produced by the immune system to combat HIV, typically appear 23 to 90 days after exposure, making these tests effective only after this window period.
These tests look for both HIV antigens and antibodies. Antigens, such as p24, are viral particles that appear in the blood shortly after infection and trigger the immune system to produce antibodies. This test can detect HIV sooner than antibody tests alone, generally within 18 to 45 days of exposure.
Knowing these timeframes is crucial for choosing the appropriate time to test and ensuring a precise HIV diagnosis following potential exposure.
Proper preparation for an HIV test in Noida involves several key steps to ensure accurate results and a clear understanding of the implications. Here’s what to consider:
Prerequisites
There are no specific prerequisites to take before your HIV test at home. However, understanding the purpose of the test, its potential outcomes, and the emotional impact is important.
Best Time to Get Tested
Fasting is not necessary, so you can take the test anytime. The best time for testing is at least 2-4 weeks after potential HIV exposure. This recommendation is due to the window period varying with the type of test and individual factors.
Who Should Take the Test
HIV testing is recommended for all individuals aged 13 to 64 to get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine checkups. Testing for individuals under 18 years of age requires parental consent. Testing is also recommended during pregnancy, ideally in the first trimester. People at higher risk of HIV—such as those with an HIV-positive partner, engaging in unprotected sex or with multiple sex partners, those with sexually transmitted infections like syphilis or gonorrhoea, and those sharing needles—should undergo regular testing.
Cautions Before Taking the Test
There are no specific precautions before testing, but it is crucial to understand the type of test you are taking and the window period for accurate detection. Speak with a doctor to prepare yourself mentally for the test and potential outcomes.
Testing for HIV is crucial as it’s the only method to confirm your HIV status and safeguard both your health and that of your partner. A positive result allows you to start treatment early, promoting a long and healthy life while reducing the risk of transmission. A negative result enables you to take proactive measures to remain HIV-free.
In its early stages, HIV often doesn’t present symptoms, so testing might be the only way to identify the virus and halt its spread. It’s advised that everyone aged 13 to 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of regular medical care.
Individuals with certain risk factors should consider more frequent testing. Testing at least annually is recommended if you:
Engage in sexual activity with someone whose HIV status is unknown
Have an HIV-positive partner
Are a male having sex with males
Share needles for drug injection
Have multiple sexual partners
Have a sexually transmitted infection, tuberculosis, or hepatitis
For homosexual and bisexual men, testing every 3 to 6 months might be necessary. Discussing your risk factors and testing options with a doctor is essential.
HIV testing is also recommended for pregnant women during each pregnancy. Early detection and treatment can prevent the transmission of HIV to the baby.
The interpretation of HIV test results depends on the test type: either antibody tests or antigen/antibody tests. Immediately post-infection, no test can detect the virus due to the window period—the interval between exposure and when HIV can be detected. This window period varies among individuals and according to the test:
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 diagnosis necessitates prompt care and treatment from the Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre (ICTC) to lower the virus to undetectable levels. Communicate your status to your partners, adhere to regular check-ups, and consider retesting if necessary. A negative result might require retesting due to the window period. Remember, your result is personal and does not apply to your partner. Testing together can aid both individuals in making informed decisions.
The HIV test in Noida costs ₹ 900, encompassing swift home sample collection within 60 minutes and timely report delivery within 12 hours.
Orange Health Labs allows for home sample collection for HIV tests at home in Noida. You can request sample collection at your home within 60 minutes of booking, contingent upon available slots.
The role of an HIV test is to detect HIV antibodies, antigens, or viral RNA in blood or oral fluid, assisting in HIV diagnosis. Early identification allows for prompt treatment and virus spread prevention.
Booking an HIV test in Noida with Orange Health Labs is hassle-free. Follow these steps to book a test:
Search for “HIV test at home” and select Orange Health’s listing.
Review the test details, provide the address of your preferred location and confirm the booking by choosing a suitable time slot for HIV test home collection of sample.
At your chosen time slot, a professional eMedic will visit your home to collect the blood sample.
The test results will be delivered to you within 12 hours of sample collection digitally via WhatsApp or e-mail, as well as on the app.
In an HIV test, a normal result is non-reactive, signifying a value below 0.90. A reactive result, indicating HIV, is determined if the value is 1.00 or higher.
The timeframe for an HIV test at home includes rapid sample collection which can be scheduled as quickly as within 60 minutes of booking the test as per the slot availability. The blood sample can be collected within about 5 minutes, with results delivered to you within 12 hours via email or WhatsApp.
Your doctor will decide how often you need an HIV test at home after evaluating your overall health condition.
In an HIV test, parameters like HIV antibodies, antigens, or viral RNA in blood or oral fluid are checked which is crucial for diagnosing HIV.
Signs and Symptoms of HIV infection can start with flu-like symptoms muscle aches, rashes, fever, chills, sore throat, and fatigue, often appearing 2-4 weeks after exposure. As the immune system weakens, symptoms may advance to diarrhoea, mouth ulcers, weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, and persistent cough. Without proper treatment, severe infections or specific cancers may develop.
The stages of HIV infection are classified into three phases:
Stage 1 - acute infection, with symptoms resembling flu that may last days to weeks.
Stage 2 - clinical latency, where there are no symptoms and the viral load remains very low, lasting approximately 10-15 years.
Stage 3 - AIDS, involving severe immune deterioration and symptoms of advanced infections.
The window period for HIV testing indicates the timeframe between possible exposure to the virus and when a test can accurately detect HIV infection. It varies depending on the specific test employed, typically spanning from weeks to months.
Without having to visit a laboratory or a testing facility, HIV test in Gurgaon can be available at various locations including DLF Phase 1, DLF Phase 2, DLF Phase 3, DLF Phase 4, DLF Phase 5, Sector 14, Sector 15, Sector 21, Sector 22, Sector 23, Sector 24, Sector 29, Sector 31, Sector 40, Sector 42, Sector 43, Sector 45, Sector 46, Sector 50, Sector 51, Sector 52, Sector 53, Sector 54, Sector 55, and Sector 56.
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