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What is a HIV Test?

An HIV Test is a blood test that detects the HIV infection. The test detects combination of HIV P24 antigen (viral particle) and HIV 1/2 antibodies and hence is called 'combo' or 'duo' test. It is a 4th generation test and recognized by the WHO(World Health Organization).

What is HIV?

HIV(Human Immunodeficiency virus) or AIDS is a viral infection that spreads through unprotected intercourse or contaminated blood. It can be detected by blood tests.

Who should do this test?

The test is intended for individuals with multiple partners,those who engage in unprotected intercourse, homosexual men, before marriage or hospital admission, intravenous drug users, in preventive health checkups and during pregnancy. Check list of symptoms for more information.

Procedure of HIV Test

To do this test, no special precautions or preparation is necessary. It can be done at any time of the day, and you do not need to be fasting for this test. The test involves providing a single blood sample

What is Included in the Report?

This test will check for the presence of HIV p24 antigen and the HIV-1/2 antibodies.

The report will include a single result - Reactive or Non-reactive (combined for both antigen and antibodies). Check the Sample Report PDF for the exact format of the report.

Normal Range of HIV Test

The normal range of the HIV test is non-reactive.

Test Accuracy and how soon can it detect HIV?

This test is 99.8% accurate and can detect HIV as early as 6 weeks after exposure. The test detects HIV P24 antigen and the HIV 1 and HIV 2 antibodies. As a result, it is very accurate and reliable.

If you were exposed less than 6 weeks ago, we recommend HIV RNA tests instead.

Summary of HIV Test

CostRs.600
Sample Type RequiredBlood Sample
Home Sample CollectionAvailable
Reports Ready In2-6 hours
Purpose of testDetects HIV infection presence.
Intended forAll genders (Age 13+)
Fasting RequiredNo
Total Tests1
Doctor's Prescription RequiredNo
Reports Available ByPDF available through Watsapp,Email and Hardcopy(on request)
Other NamesAIDS Test, HIV Combo, HIV Duo, HIV 1/2 Antibodies test, HIV P24 Antigen Test
Test MethodLateral Flow Immunochromatography
HIV Test Normal RangeNon-reactive

Who should do the HIV Test?

The HIV Test is intended for high-risk individuals and sexually active people.

List of symptoms that may mean you need a HIV Test?

  • Fatigue:

    Persistent fatigue can be an early sign of HIV infection, making it important to get an AIDS Test.

  • Swollen Lymph Nodes:

    Swollen lymph nodes are a common symptom of HIV, indicating that an STD Test might be necessary.

  • Sore Throat:

    A prolonged sore throat can be a symptom of HIV, suggesting the need for an HIV Test.

  • Muscle Aches:

    Muscle aches can be associated with early stages of HIV, so an AIDS Test is recommended.

  • Night Sweats:

    Frequent night sweats are a sign of possible HIV infection, requiring an STD Test for confirmation.

  • Depression:

    Depression can be linked to HIV, and getting an HIV Test can help in early diagnosis and treatment.

Eligibility Criteria for HIV Test

  • Age:>6 months

    This test provides reliable results only in those aged greater than 6 months. For minors under the age of 18 parents consent is required.

  • Not on Immunosuppresants

    These can affect the test results. If you are on these medications, you are not eligible for the test.

  • Pregnant Mothers

    Pregnant mothers are also eligible for this test and it is usually done as a part of Antenatal checkups

Frequently Asked Questions

This is a 4th generation test. This means that it tests for both antigens and antibodies. Our test is performed under standardized conditions, and the blood sample is collected from your vein, with standardized methods. While self-tests are also accurate, a test in a lab, is more reliable as all aspects of the procedure are standardized. Furthermore, the lab may perform testing by alternative methods, if the first test result is inconclusive.

This test is not an ELISA test. ELISA is a principle/method of HIV Testing and not a particular test name. ELISA was an older and less accurate method of HIV Testing with a lot of manual steps, that led to errors. Newer HIV tests(rapid/CMIA) are more advanced, less cumbersome and more reliable. ELISA testing for HIV is not done in most modern laboratories. It is only done for research purposes.

We use a WHO recognized, 4th generation rapid HIV Test kit. Rapid tests are the recommended option for HIV screening

The kit that we use, comes with a manufacturer quoted accuracy of over 98%. This accuracy is as any of the latest methods.

3rd generation tests only check for HIV antibodies. These can take upto 6 monhts to show up. 4th generation tests check for HIV antigen as well as antibodies and so may be positive within 6 weeks. Shorter window period, and better reliability make the 4th generation test performed at Pathofast Lab, the best choice for HIV screening.

RNA Tests are molecular tests that can detect very minute amounts of HIV virus. These are positive earlier than 4th generation tests and may show the virus even within 12 days of exposure. They are recommended only in patients who have had a known exposure to HIV, or from a contaiminated blood transfusions.

CBC or complete blood count, only tells you the levels of your hemoglobin, white cells and platelets. It has nothing to do with HIV.

CD4 and CD8 lymphocytes are only done in known patients of HIV to check their immunity. It is not done as a screening tests.

No, Pathofast is a diagnostic laboratory and we do not offer consultations. If you have questions about the report/results, our pathologist will definitely discuss them with you.

The normal range by quantitative methods depends on the assay used. By CLIA Technique the normal range is reported between 0 to 0.9. By the CMIA method the normal range is 0 to 1.0 S/CO.

An HIV test is normally done in every trimester of pregnancy. (once every 3 months). It may also be required prior to hospital admission for delivery.. Women trying to conceive with HIV positive partners, should also get regularly tested for HIV.. Newborns will show a negative test result as antibodies take upto 6 months to develop.

This test will start to show positive around 2-3 weeks or 19-21 days after exposure. The best chances of testing positive are around day 43 to 45 of the infection. Even if you test negative within the first 6 weeks, a repeat test after 3 months is recommended.

No, our test is performed by a method called lateral flow Immunochromatography, which is WHO recognized. CMIA and CLIA are alternative methods.

Why Choose Pathofast for HIV Test

Pathofast Lab in Pune, is the best lab in Pune for accurate and reliable blood tests. Our lab is located conveniently in the center of Pune and we also offer home sample collection for the HIV Test in various areas of Pune.

You can be assured of quality service and timely and accurate reports

Home Sample Collection is Available for HIV Test at the following locations in Pune :

  • Jangli Maharaj Nagar
  • Ravet
  • Viman Nagar
  • Shastrinagar, Yerawada
  • NIBM Undri Road, Kondhwa
  • Camp
  • Aundh
  • Baner
  • Dattwadi
  • Undri
  • Pimpri-Chinchwad
  • Kalyani Nagar
  • Koregaon Park
  • Sadashiv Peth