Finally, you have someone to go to for STD Testing.
HIV DNA PCR test: The HIV Proviral DNA by Polymerase Chain Reaction is a highly sensitive method used to detect recent exposure to HIV. The PCR technique, a Nobel Prize winning technology, achieves this sensitivity by synthetically amplifying viral segments. The test can identify infection shortly after exposure, and can be an extremely useful tool before 28 days, but is not considered conclusive until 28 days post exposure. Currently there are no tests in existence that can definitively rule out exposure before 28 days.
AMH can provide early exposure testing for HIV and other STD’s.
Testing for recent exposure to HIV.
Don’t want to wait 3 months for conclusive HIV test results? If you are worried about a recent exposure, chances are you do not want to wait three months to know your HIV status. The HIV DNA PCR test can give you conclusive results 28 days after exposure. We can also provide early exposure testing for other sexually transmitted diseases, such as Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and herpes.
In many cases, waiting for three months may not be practical to your situation. You might consider recent exposure testing with the HIV DNA PCR test if:
your partner has been unfaithful to you
you have recently been unfaithful to your partner.
you have a new partner and you don’t want to wait three months to show them you are HIV negative.
victim of assault or date rape
you just found out your current or recent partner is HIV positive
The HIV DNA PCR test can clarify confusing test results
Have you been told you had a positive HIV ELISA and you need further testing? Perhaps you received a letter from the Red Cross or another blood bank stating you had a positive HIV test or asking that you no longer donate blood. It is possible you may actually have HIV, but it is also possible you have what is referred to as a false positive or indeterminate HIV result.
Alternative collection procedures such as the “20 minute rapid HIV kit” have been shown to have a higher rate of false positives. False positives have also been known to occur more frequently at blood banks. Sometimes even the highest quality lab test can yield a false positive or indeterminate result. In this case we recommend testing by a different method. We know this can be a very anxious time. You probably want some real answers as quickly as possible. Taking the same test over again may only yield the same results. The HIV DNA PCR test can be used to clarify these types of test results.
The HIV DNA PCR test is a different technology, but it is also looking for something different, (virus instead of antibodies) and can therefore rule out the possibility of infection. There is no need to wait a few weeks or months to get re-tested.
You may want to clarify your test results with the HIV DNA PCR test if:
you were told by the Red Cross or another blood bank that you had a positive result
you are pregnant and received at least one positive HIV test result
if you had a recent vaccination and received at least one positive HIV test result
you have had a recent HIV exposure but the western blot was negative or indeterminate
you have recently been told you had positive results, but have little or no reason to suspect infection
if you had a positive results and have been told to wait weeks or months to get retested
The HIV DNA PCR test can rule out exposure when there is potential immune deficiency.
Are you concerned about an immune deficiency or lack of antibody response? The traditional HIV antibody test is looking for your body’s immune response to HIV. Don’t worry whether you will have a detectable immune response, check directly for the virus.
The time that it takes for an individual to create an immune response can vary, which means the time frame that a person will get a reliable HIV antibody result can also vary. Most people will create a detectable immune response by six weeks; however, those with a suppressed immune system can take longer. The HIV DNA PCR test is looking directly for virus and is not dependant on antibody production. If you are concerned that you have a possible immune deficiency the HIV DNA PCR test can successfully rule out exposure.
Post Exposure Prophylaxis If you or someone you know has had a significant recent exposure it is important that you talk with us or someone else educated on the potential benefits of PEP (post exposure prophylaxis). Recent research suggests immediate treatment could have a significant impact on your long term health. Some experts even believe it may be possible for immediate treatment to actually reverse or prevent infection. We also offer advanced antigen testing that can rule out infection 28 days from your contact. Even if your exposure was just a few days ago, we can help you. We can evaluate your individual risk, and discuss early testing and treatment options.
Click here to see a complete list of all our testing facilities locations.
