HIV – laboratory test

Opis produktu

Why test for HIV?

The generation IV test detects anti-HIV-1 and anti-HIV-2 antibodies together with the p24 antigen, a viral protein present in the blood before the body produces antibodies. This allows it to detect infection earlier than older tests: the p24 antigen appears around 2 weeks after infection, and antibodies after 4–12 weeks. Early detection now makes a real difference: a person with HIV who starts treatment lives as long as a healthy person and, with an undetectable viral load, does not transmit HIV to sexual partners.

When to consider this test

• after unprotected sexual contact with someone whose HIV status is unknown, or after a condom breaks,
• after contact with blood: a needlestick injury, shared needles, or a tattoo or piercing in questionable hygiene conditions,
• when planning a pregnancy and during pregnancy (testing is part of standard care, for both partners),
• before stopping condom use in a new relationship,
• if you have symptoms that may indicate acute retroviral infection 2–4 weeks after exposure: fever, sore throat, rash, swollen lymph nodes or muscle aches,
• once in every adult’s lifetime, and annually if you frequently change partners.

How to prepare

• You do not need to fast, and the time of day does not matter.
• If it has been less than 72 hours since a potential exposure, do not wait for a test: go to an infectious diseases clinic or SOR (hospital emergency department) for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which only works within this window.
• Wait at least 2 weeks after exposure; a negative result is reliable after 6 weeks, and if the risk is high, your doctor will recommend repeat testing after 12 weeks.
• Collect your result in person at the blood collection point, bringing an identity document.

Understanding your result

A single reactive result is not a diagnosis. According to the CDC, an antigen/antibody test using venous blood usually detects infection 18–45 days after exposure; every reactive result requires a confirmatory test.

Other tests to consider alongside this test

After a potential exposure, with a single blood draw: syphilis (Wassermann reaction, WR), HBs antigen, anti-HCV, Chlamydia; a more convenient option is the test package after casual sex. More about the window period and PEP: Badania-Medyczne.pl.

Sources: ALAB laboratoria, generation IV HIV screening test (p24 antigen after around 2 weeks, antibodies after 4–12, reliable negative result after 6 weeks, NAAT/Western blot confirmation); CDC, HIV Testing (an antigen/antibody test using venous blood detects infection 18–45 days after exposure; a confirmatory test is required). This information is not a substitute for a medical consultation.