Known As: HIV-1 DNA by PCR-Hepatitis B Surface Antigen-Hepatitis C Antibody-Herpeselect 1&2 IgM recent exposure-Chlamydia and Gonorrhea urine NAA, Syphilis RPR
Description: The HIV-1 DNA by PCR test looks directly for the proviral DNA. Some people may be detectable earlier. The HIV-1 DNA by PCR test has been an industry standard test in high risk professions for many years. This test may detect the presence of HIV before seroconversion. The Turnaround time is typically 2-5 business days.
The Hepatitis B Surface Antigen is the earliest indicator of the presence of acute infection. Turnaround time is typically 1 business day for all three components.
The Hepatitis C antibody test is a common screening that measures antibodies. Turnaournd time is typically 1 business day.
The Herpes 1&2 IgM test is used to determine an acute infection. The IgM antibody production usually starts a few days after the initial infection. The Herpes IgM test is non-type specific, it does not differentiate between HSV 1 and HSV 2. The HSV IgM test may have cross reactivity, which could lead to a false positive, with prior herpes infections or other strains of herpes virus like Mono. Due to the limitations of the HSV IgM test, a person may only want to consider using this test if they are trying to determine whether or not they are experiencing a "Primary Episode" of a herpes infection or if they are attempting to track the possible "source" or "timeline" of the infection. Turnaround time is typically 1-3 business days.
The Chlamydia and Gonorrhea test is able to detect the bacteria that causes genital Chlamydia and Gonorrhea via urine with the nucleic acid amplification technology. This technology is highly effective in detecting genital Chlamydia and Gonorrhea. Turnaround time is typically 1-3 business days.
The Syphilis RPR test looks for the antibodies produced in response to being infected with the Syphilis bacterium. The Turnaround time is typically 1 business day.
Incubation Period: The complex HIV-1 PCR test is 99% accurate at 28 days or more from a suspected contact or exposure. For Hepatitis B Surface Antigen the incubation period varies per but ranges between 3-12 weeks. For Hepatitis C Antibody the incubation period is usually between 4-12 weeks. In rare circumstances, it could take past 6 months to be detectible. Average incubation period for the HSV IgM test ranges from about 5 days-5 weeks. After a few months from the initial infection, a person usually begins to "phase out" and is no longer detectable with this test. For Chlamydia and Gonorrhea the average incubation period for detection is typically from a few days to a few weeks after a contact. Finally for Syphilis RPR the average incubation period ranges from 10-90 days, while most people show detectable antibody levels by 6 weeks.
Early detection is important so that treatment may begin as soon as possible and assist with delaying the onset of serious complications. In addition, knowing your status will enable you to take the necessary steps in preventing the transmission of HIV and STDs to others.
Requirements: For Chlamydia and Gonorrhea, this is a urine test. Client should withhold urination for a least 1 hour prior to specimen collection. Client should provide a first catch urine, about 20-30 ml, from the initial stream into the collection cup and allow remainder of the stream to go into the toilet. Larger volumes may result in the dilution of the specimen and reduce sensitivity. Clients should not cleanse the genital area prior to giving their urine specimen.
The remaining tests are blood tests. No special requirements for testing.