HIV Testing

LifeCare Hospital provides you with a premium service that is able to bring you peace of mind about your sexual health. If you have been left feeling concerned about whether you have a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI), LifeCare Hospital are here to help you.

Test Info :

PCR RNA Test

This test can be done after just 7 days from suspected exposure. This test looks for viral RNA and is not dependent of antibodies. If you choose to get this test done, you need to repeat HIV Duo combo(p24 anitgne/antibodies screening) after 28 days of suspected exposure.This test is very sensitive and is the earliest method to detect HIV.

P24 Anitgen for HIV 1 & 2 Anti Body Test

It is also called as p24 antigen & antibody screening test. This is the 4th generation HIV test, which is very sensitive.The p24 antigen are basically protien molecules found on the capsule of HIV virus. Testing for p24 antigen is not dependent on developmnet of antibodies which may takes at least 3 weeks to develope. The window period for p24 antigen is very small. The test is done after 4 weeks of suspected exposure and is very accurate. However, between day 14 and day 20 , the p24 antigen starts appearing in the blood. Hence , a negative result for HIV Duo Combo during this period gives a lot confidence.Putting p24 antigen and antibody screening together gives us a powerful tool to detect HIV.

HIV Test (Elisa for HIV 1 & 2 Test)

This test look for antibodies against hiv 1&2. It is quite reliable after 4 weeks of suspected exposure.Most authorities recommend retest at the end of 3 months to rule out HIV