HIV DRUG RESISTANCE (GENOTYPING)
🧬 Advanced Genomic Sequencing📋 Test Specifications
- Report Turnaround: 22-24 Working Days.
- Sample Required: 4ml EDTA Plasma (Frozen).
- Methodology: DNA Sequencing (Genotyping).
- Prerequisite: Viral Load > 1000 copies/ml recommended.
- Precision: High-Complexity Test.
What is HIV Drug Resistance Testing?
This is a specialized genomic test that analyzes the structure of the HIV virus in your blood. It looks for specific mutations in the virus's genes (Reverse Transcriptase, Protease, and Integrase) that might allow it to survive despite the medicines you are taking.
In simpler terms, this test tells your doctor which drugs will work and which drugs the virus has become immune to.
⚠️ Important Prerequisite
Minimum Viral Load Required: For this test to work successfully, there must be enough virus in the blood to sequence. Usually, a viral load of >1000 copies/ml is required. If the viral load is very low or undetectable, this test cannot be performed.
When is this Test Recommended?
This test is not for routine screening. It is prescribed for:
- Treatment Failure: When a patient is on ART (Anti-Retroviral Therapy) but the Viral Load is not decreasing or is rising (Rebound).
- Baseline Testing: Before starting treatment in complex cases to choose the best first-line regimen.
- Pregnancy: To ensure the most effective drugs are used to prevent transmission to the baby.
How It Helps Your Treatment
HIV is a smart virus; it changes (mutates) to escape medication. By identifying these mutations, your doctor can switch your prescription to Second-line or Third-line drugs that the virus is not resistant to.
This Precision Medicine approach ensures that you are not taking medicines that no longer work for you.
Understanding the Report Timeline
22 to 24 Working Days
This is a highly complex genetic test involving RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, PCR amplification, and genetic sequencing. The data is then analyzed against global HIV mutation databases (like Stanford HIVdb). Because of this rigorous scientific process, the report takes approximately 3 to 4 weeks.
Test Procedure
- Collection: A standard blood draw (approx 4-6ml).
- Cold Chain: The sample is immediately processed to separate plasma and frozen to preserve the viral RNA.
- No Fasting: You do not need to fast for this test.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
This involves Genomic Sequencing, which requires high-end technology and expensive reagents. It is the most advanced level of HIV testing available.
No. If your viral load is undetectable, it means the medicine is working effectively, and there is no virus to sequence. This test is only for when the virus is growing despite medication.
Standard genotyping covers HIV-1 (Group M), which causes the majority of infections globally. Resistance testing for HIV-2 requires a different specialized setup.
Disclaimer: Results should be interpreted by an Infectious Disease Specialist or HIV clinician to modify ART regimens.