HIV I & II Western Blot Test
55+ booked in last 3 daysHIV I & II Western Blot Test Overview
The HIV antibodies indicate an HIV infection. These antibodies are produced when a person's immune system tries to fight the HIV virus. Using the HIV I & II Western Blot Test, one can identify the particular proteins (also known as HIV antibodies) that signify an HIV infection.
Reasons for Undergoing the HIV I & II Western Blot Test
The HIV I & II Western blot test is primarily used to confirm or rule out HIV infection following an initial screening test. There are several reasons why individuals may undergo this test:
- Confirmation of diagnosis after a positive or inconclusive result from an initial screening test like ELISA.
- Routine screening or post-exposure testing for high-risk groups, such as those with multiple sexual partners or intravenous drug users.
- Diagnostic confirmation for patients exhibiting symptoms suggestive of HIV infection.
- Prenatal screening for pregnant women to prevent transmission to the fetus.
- Blood donor screening to ensure the safety of blood transfusions.
List of Parameters Considered During the HIV I & II Western Blot Test
The HIV I & II Western blot test measures the presence of specific antibodies against various HIV proteins in the blood. The key parameters considered during this test include:
- Antibodies to HIV envelope proteins, such as gp41, gp120, and gp160
- Antibodies to HIV core proteins, such as p24 and p17
- Antibodies to HIV pol proteins, such as p31, p51, and p66
- Detection of specific bands corresponding to these proteins, indicating the presence of antibodies against HIV
Home Collection for HIV I & II Western Blot Test Near You
Opting for home sample collection for your HIV I & II Western blot test offers numerous benefits. With Metropolis Healthcare,Through which a trained phlebotomist will visit your doorstep to collect the required sample, ensuring comfort, safety, and adherence to the highest standards of sample handling.
This convenient service does not compromise on the accuracy of the test results. You can expect timely and reliable reports from the comfort of your home. Metropolis Healthcare is committed to offering high-quality diagnostic solutions that are accessible to all, and their home collection service facility for the Western blot test for HIV is a testament to this dedication.
HIV I & II Western Blot Test Price
Metropolis Healthcare is a leading diagnostics centre and pathology lab in India equipped with the latest state-of-the-art technologies that provides the HIV I & II Western Blot Test with a clear pricing structure.
The HIV I & II Western Blot Test Price in Mumbai is ₹ 3,100 .
We are committed to deliver accurate and quality results from the best labs in India with complete transparency regarding test cost and turnaround time. No matter where you are, we strive to offer patients high-quality service that is affordable and accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
This test measures the specific proteins, called HIV antibodies, in your blood.
- To detect HIV antibodies that indicate an HIV infection
- To detect an early or chronic HIV infection
- To differentiate between HIV-1 and HIV-2 infections
- To monitor the effectiveness of treatment for an HIV infection
This test is recommended if you have
- a preliminary positive result from another screening test,
- symptoms of an acute or chronic HIV infection,
- a high risk of exposure to the virus, such as unprotected sex with multiple partners or sharing needles, or
- a need to monitor the effectiveness of treatment.
A positive result suggests a possible presence of an HIV infection but must be confirmed with additional testing. Abnormal results require further testing and consultation with a doctor.
A small sample of your blood will be taken by a needle stick from a vein in your arm. The blood sample is then sent to a laboratory for processing
- No fasting is required.
- Follow your doctor's instructions regarding any medications you’re taking.
- Inform your doctor if you have any specific requirements.
- Rapid antibody tests to screen for an HIV infection
- Viral load tests to measure the amount of virus in the blood
- CD4 count tests to assess the health of the immune system
HIV confirmatory test or the Western blot assay
HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It attacks the immune system, which makes it harder for your body to fight off infections and diseases. If left untreated, HIV can progress to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), a potentially fatal condition.
The HIV I & II Western blot test is an antibody test used to confirm or rule out HIV infection by detecting antibodies against specific HIV proteins in the blood.
The HIV I & II Western blot test detects the presence of antibodies against HIV envelope, core, and pol proteins in the blood, indicating an immune response to the virus.
The Western blot test report can indicate a positive result (presence of specific bands corresponding to HIV proteins), a negative result (absence of these bands), or an indeterminate result (presence of some but not all expected bands).
If the Western blot test procedure yields a positive result, it confirms the presence of HIV infection, leading to counseling and the initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) to manage the infection and prevent progression to AIDS.
The benefits of the HIV I & II Western blot test include its high specificity, which reduces false positives, its ability to provide a definitive diagnosis for appropriate treatment and counseling, and its role in public health efforts like seroprevalence surveys and blood donor screening.
The risks associated with the HIV I & II Western blot test are minimal and similar to those of any blood test, such as bruising, excessive bleeding, fainting, hematoma, or a slight risk of infection.
The HIV I & II Western blot test is specifically used to diagnose HIV-1 and HIV-2 infections and is not typically used to diagnose other diseases.
Medications generally do not affect the accuracy of the HIV I & II Western blot test, although certain autoimmune diseases like lupus can cause false positives.
Fasting is not necessary. Please follow your doctor's guidance for any medications you're using. Make sure to inform your doctor of any special needs you may have.
Factors that can affect the results of the HIV I & II Western blot test include testing too soon after exposure (window period), autoimmune diseases causing false positives, and rare instances of cross-reactivity with other retroviruses or medical conditions.
The HIV I & II Western blot test results are usually available within 24 to 48 hours, though the timeframe may vary based on the laboratory and its procedures.
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