What is HIV/AIDS? HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. This virus has 2 main types which cause infection in humans and further, several subtypes and strains.
What is HIV/AIDS?
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. This virus has 2 main types which cause infection in humans and further, several subtypes and strains.
Prolonged and untreated HIV infection can lead to AIDS, which stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome.
AIDS is chronic and there is no cure for AIDS. AIDS is progressive and fatal too. However, treatment with certain drugs can prevent development of AIDS due to HIV infection.
What Are the Types of HIV/Aids?
There are 2 main types of HIV that cause infection in human population:
HIV-1
HIV-2
Infection caused by HIV-1 is more widespread throughout the world and accounts for majority of infections, while, HIV-2 infection is mainly restricted to Western Africa.
Genetically, these two viruses are different and hence, their pathophysiology, extent of infection and transmission mechanisms differs.
HIV-1 is further divided into following groups:
- Group M
- Group N
- Group O
- Group P
Among HIV 1, Group M is the most prevalent type.
PCR stands for Polymerase Chain Reaction. It is a method of amplification and diagnosis of target genetic material (DNA or RNA).
PCR is widely used in detection of HIV-1 viral RNA in whole blood sample.
The detection of HIV-1 by using PCR can be of the following types:
HIV-1 Qualitative PCR – in this type of PCR, only the qualitative presence or absence of target RNA (HIV-1) is reported.
HIV-1 Quantitative PCR – Also called as Real Time-PCR or Q-PCR (Q stands for Quantitative). In this type of PCR, quantity of target RNA or the viral load in the sample is also reported. Quantity is used an estimate for the extent of gene expression.
How is HIV-1 PCR test performed?
Whole Blood Sample for HLA-B27 PCR test –
A phlebotomist will tie a tourniquet around your arm.
He will sanitize the area from where he is supposed to draw blood.
With the help of sterile needle, he will draw the required amount of blood sample.
The sample will be transported to the lab for testing after labeling properly.
When should I get HIV-1 PCR test done?
Your doctor will analyze your symptoms, medical history, travel history, medications and family history. Based on these factors he will find the need for HIV-1 PCR qualitative or HIV-1 quantitative test. Symptoms of HIV infection depend on the stage of infection:
Stage 1- Infection stage
This stage is also called as primary HIV infection. In this stage, the virus takes entry into the body and replicates rapidly.
The symptoms in this stage are acute flu-like symptoms such as the following:
- Fever
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Rashes after some days of infection
- Fatigue
- Muscle pain
- Ulcers
Stage 2- Asymptomatic stage
This stage is also called as Clinical Latency Stage as there are no symptoms in this stage.
The virus in this stage continues to weaken the immune system of the infected individual without producing any symptoms.
HIV attacks CD4 cells and hamper immune responses of the host.
This stage lasts for about 8 years to 10 years on an average.
These people help in transmission of HIV to uninfected people as they are asymptomatic and don’t know that they have HIV infection.
Stage 3- Symptomatic stage
This stage is reached when the immune system is hampered to an extent where symptoms start showing in the individual.
Initially, the symptoms are mild but they worsen with time.
This stage also paves way for opportunistic infections, which worsen the condition. Examples of opportunistic infections: TB, Sarcoma, PCP, etc.
Stage 4 – AIDS
As mentioned earlier, prolonged and untreated HIV infection can lead to AIDS.
People who have AIDS are severely immune-compromised.
The complications arise due this immune-compromised state of the individual, due to which even minor infections become fatal.
How is HIV transmitted?
HIV is transmitted through coming in contact with body fluids from an infected person, such as the following:
- Blood
- Semen
- Wound exudates
- Breast milk
- Vaginal secretions
It is unlikely that HIV gets transmitted through droplets from sneezing or coughing.
HIV is not transmitted unless body fluids are exchanged between an infected and an uninfected person.
Where to get HIV-1 PCR test?
There are many good options in Delhi NCR for getting tested for HIV/AIDS. The best lab for HIV/AIDS test is Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre.
While choosing a lab for getting any type of diagnostic test done, few things should be kept in mind, such as, safety and care of patients and professional behavior of the staff.
At Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre, patients come first, hence Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre is one of the leading diagnostic centers in Delhi NCR.
What is the price of HIV-1 Qualitative PCR and HIV-1 Quantitative PCR?
The price of HIV-1 PCR tests vary from lab to lab. The lab which provides the best facilities at the most reasonable price is Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre.
At Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre, FLAT 25% OFF is offered on PCR tests. Avail the discount!
HIV 1 - Quantitative (Viral Load) at 6800 5400 INR
FLAT 20% OFF BOOK NOW!
You can get these test done at the comfort of your home as well, want to know how?
Contact us for FREE HOME SAMPLE COLLECTION –
- A skilled phlebotomist will be sent to your home.
- He will collect your blood sample.
- The sample will be labeled correctly to avoid confusion and intermixing of samples.
- Your sample will safely reach the lab for testing.
- The test report will be available digitally!
Why choose Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre for HIV-1 PCR tests?
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre is known for providing excellent service and care to its patients for decades.
Lakhs of satisfied patients over the years!
It is an established and renowned diagnostic centre since 2001.
Their excellence is backed by NABH and NABL Accreditations.
NABH accreditation is proof of highest standard of care and service provided to the patients. NABL accreditation reflects the competency of laboratories and equipment based on some national and international standards.
The facility for Pathology testing operates 24x7, 365 days, providing service to patients round the clock!
Free home sample collection and digitally available test report enables patients to get tests done at the comfort of their homes.
All safety precautions are taken while collection and transportation of samples. Samples are collected in a hassle-free manner, labeled correctly and transported back to the lab safely.
Test report is generated within 24 hours of sample collection, therefore reducing the gap between diagnosis and treatment effectively.
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre is a one-stop solution for getting all kinds of tests done, as all services are available under one roof.
The aim of GDIC is to provide world’s finest technology at the lowest price.
The rates of tests are reasonably priced. Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre also offer FLAT 50% OFF on many tests.
Patients can rely upon test reports as reports are 100% accurate.
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre have a skilled staff of radiologists, pathologists and lab technicians.
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre is empanelled with various prestigious government and private organizations such as:
- CGHS NHA
- NCDC
- NDMC
- DGEHS
- ECHS
- DELHI JAL BOARD
- DAK
- RAILWAYS
- BSES YAMUNA/ RAJDHANI POWER LTD
- TATA POWER LTD
- BJRM HOSPITAL
- ICAR
- BHAGWAN MAHAVIR GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL
- MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
For more information regarding panels, click here!
