HIV 1 & 2 ANTIBODY QUALITATIVE
🔒 Private & Confidential Screening📋 Test Specifications
- Report Availability: Same Day (Samples collected before 12 PM). Note: No reporting on Sunday evenings.
- Sample Required: Serum (Blood Sample).
- Methodology: CMIA / ELISA / Immunochromatography (Rapid).
- Fasting Required: No. You can eat and drink normally before the test.
- Confidentiality: 100% Guaranteed.
What is the HIV 1 & 2 Antibody Test?
This is the primary screening test used worldwide to detect an infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Unlike complex viral load tests that count the virus particles, this test looks for the body's reaction to the virus.
When HIV enters the body, your immune system recognizes it as an invader and begins to produce special proteins called Antibodies to fight it. This test checks for the presence of these specific antibodies in your blood. If antibodies are found, it indicates that you have been exposed to the virus.
Understanding HIV-1 vs. HIV-2
This test screens for both major types of the virus simultaneously:
- HIV-1: The most common type found globally. It is more transmissible and progresses faster if untreated.
- HIV-2: Found primarily in West Africa and rarely in India. It progresses more slowly and is less infectious than HIV-1.
Our qualitative assay ensures that regardless of the strain, the infection is detected.
Why is this Test Performed?
Early detection is the single most important factor in managing HIV. This test is crucial for:
- Routine Screening: For anyone who is sexually active, regardless of symptoms.
- Post-Exposure Check: If you have had unprotected sex, a needle stick injury, or blood transfusion risk.
- Pre-Surgical Clearance: Often required before major surgeries to protect medical staff.
- Pregnancy: To ensure the virus is not passed from mother to child.
🔒 Our Commitment to Privacy
We understand the anxiety and stigma often associated with HIV testing. At Sanovra Lab:
- Your results are kept strictly confidential.
- Reports are delivered directly to your registered email/WhatsApp.
- Our staff is trained to handle samples with discretion and professionalism.
The "Window Period" Explained (Crucial Info)
Please Read Carefully: This test looks for antibodies, not the virus itself. It takes time for the body to produce enough antibodies to be detected. This delay is called the Window Period.
Timeline:
• 2-4 Weeks post-exposure: Antibodies may not be detectable yet. A "Negative" result here might not be accurate.
• 1-3 Months post-exposure: Most people (95%) will have detectable antibodies.
• 3 Months (90 days): This is considered the conclusive window. A negative result 3 months after exposure is considered definitive.
Recommendation: If you had a high-risk exposure very recently (less than 2 weeks), consult a doctor about PCR testing instead.
How to Interpret the Results
The report will typically say "Reactive" or Non-Reactive.
🟢 Non-Reactive (Negative)
No HIV antibodies were found. If you are past the window period (3 months after risk), you likely do not have HIV. No further testing is needed unless new exposure occurs.
🔴 Reactive (Positive)
This means HIV antibodies were detected. However, do not panic. Screening tests are designed to be extremely sensitive, meaning they sometimes pick up other antibodies by mistake (False Positive).
Next Step: All Reactive results must be confirmed with a second, more specific test called the Western Blot. Only a Western Blot can confirm a diagnosis 100%. Do not assume you are HIV positive based solely on this screening test.
Preparation and Procedure
- No Fasting: You do not need to starve yourself. Eat and drink normally.
- Medications: Routine medications do not affect the result.
- Collection: A small amount of blood (3-5 ml) is drawn from a vein in your arm. The process takes less than 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Modern HIV antibody tests (3rd and 4th Generation) are over 99.5% accurate when performed after the window period.
Absolutely not. We use sterile, single-use disposable needles. There is zero risk of infection during sample collection.
Our specialized immunology department processes samples in batches. While samples can be collected on Sunday, the final verification and reporting are paused on Sunday evenings to ensure strict quality control protocols are met. You will receive the report by Monday morning.
Many people with HIV have no symptoms for years. However, early signs can include unexplained fever, swollen lymph nodes, chronic fatigue, night sweats, or rapid weight loss. The only way to know for sure is to get tested.
Disclaimer: This test is for screening purposes. A reactive result must be confirmed by a Western Blot test. Please consult an infectious disease specialist for clinical correlation.