HIV-1 Drug Resistance Test
50+ booked in last 3 daysHIV Drug Resistance Test Overview
The HIV drug resistance test is a crucial diagnostic tool that identifies mutations in the HIV virus that make it resistant to antiretroviral therapy (ART). This test helps healthcare providers select the most effective treatment regimen for patients by determining whether the HIV strain is susceptible or resistant to various antiretroviral drugs. The test involves genotypic testing, which sequences the viral genome's protease, integrase, and reverse transcriptase genes to identify mutations associated with drug resistance. Next Generation Sequencing and comparison with databases like the Stanford HIVDB are commonly used for this purpose.
The HIV drug resistance test is essential for managing HIV infection effectively. By identifying drug-resistant strains of HIV, healthcare providers can tailor treatment plans to the individual patient's needs, ensuring the best possible outcomes. This test is particularly important in cases of treatment failure, where drug resistance may be the underlying cause.
HIV-1 Drug Resistance testing is used to evaluate whether a patient with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has a mutated form of the virus that does not respond to antiretroviral therapy (ART) as expected. ART involves taking a combination of HIV medicines that can help control the replication of the virus.
Reasons for Undergoing the HIV Drug Resistance Test
There are several reasons why a healthcare provider may recommend an HIV drug resistance test:
- Pre-treatment Assessment: To determine if a patient has a drug-resistant strain of HIV before starting ART, which helps in selecting the appropriate treatment regimen.
- Treatment Failure: If a patient is already on ART and is experiencing virologic failure, the test helps identify if drug resistance is the cause. Factors such as poor adherence, gastrointestinal malabsorption, or drug interactions can contribute to this failure.
- Transmission of Resistant Strains: To monitor the prevalence of transmitted drug resistance (TDR), especially in communities with high-risk behaviours or in regions with significant ART rollout.
- Pregnancy and New Infections: In special cases like pregnancy or recent HIV infection, the test can guide immediate treatment decisions.
List of Parameters Considered During the HIV Drug Resistance Test
The HIV drug resistance test measures several key parameters to identify mutations that confer resistance to antiretroviral drugs:
- Reverse Transcriptase (RT) Gene: Mutations in this gene indicate resistance to non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) and nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs).
- Protease (PR) Gene: Mutations here indicate resistance to protease inhibitors (PIs).
- Integrase (IN) Gene: Mutations in this gene indicate resistance to integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs).
HIV Drug Resistance Test Preparation
Preparing for the HIV drug resistance test is relatively straightforward:
- There is no need to fast before undergoing the test.
- A blood sample is required for the test, which can be collected at a healthcare facility or through home sample collection services.
- There are no specific dietary or lifestyle precautions needed before the test. However, it is important to follow any instructions provided by the healthcare provider or testing facility.
HIV Drug Resistance Test Results & Interpretation
The results of the HIV drug resistance test indicate whether the patient's HIV strain has mutations that confer resistance to specific antiretroviral drugs:
- Genotypic Results: The test will show specific mutations in the RT, PR, and IN genes. These mutations are compared against databases like the Stanford HIVDB to determine the level of resistance to different drugs.
- Interpretation: The results should be interpreted along with other laboratory markers and the patient's clinical presentation. For example, if the test shows resistance to a particular drug, the healthcare provider may need to adjust the treatment regimen to include alternative drugs that the virus is still susceptible to
Home Collection for HIV Drug Resistance Test
Metropolis Healthcare offers a convenient home sample collection service for the HIV drug resistance test. A trained phlebotomist will come to your doorstep to collect the blood sample, ensuring comfort and safety while maintaining high standards of sample handling and testing accuracy. This service allows patients to undergo the test without the need to visit a clinic or hospital, making it easier to manage their health. With timely and reliable results, patients can work with their healthcare providers to make informed decisions about their treatment plans. Metropolis Healthcare's commitment to accessible healthcare underscores its dedication to providing quality diagnostic solutions conveniently at home.
HIV-1 Drug Resistance 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-1 Drug Resistance Test with a clear pricing structure.
The HIV-1 Drug Resistance Test Price in Mumbai is ₹ 19,610 .
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
HIV Drug Resistance testing test along with clinical presentation and other laboratory markers can determine the progress of the disease for the management of HIV-1 infected patients. It is used to evaluate the outcome of a patient’s treatment by calculating the baseline HIV-1 RNA level or by observing the effects of antiretroviral therapy by analyzing changes in EDTA plasma HIV-1 RNA levels during the course of treatment.
The testing can also assess whether a patient with HIV has a mutated form of the virus that does not respond to antiretroviral therapy. The drug resistance can either be transmitted at the time of HIV infection or acquired during previous treatments. If a patient is failing and not responding to first-line antiretroviral therapy, he/she is referred for HIV-1 Drug Resistance testing before starting the second-line drugs.
However, it is important to note that this test is not proposed to be used as a screening test for the presence of HIV-1 in blood or as a diagnostic test for confirmation of the HIV-1 infection.
Your doctor can ask you to take HIV Drug Resistance testing if he is planning to switch the medicines from first- to second-line antiretroviral therapy. Switching of medicines and adjustment in the treatment therapy become highly important because if an HIV-infected patient becomes resistant to a drug and keeps on taking the same drug, HIV will multiply faster as the drug will not have the potential to stop it from replicating.
Besides, HIV drug-resistance testing is also advised for the first-time patient entering into the care to guide the selection of the initial antiretroviral drugs regimen, according to the guideline.
HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, the body's natural defense system, and is of two types;
- HIV-1 causes almost all cases of AIDS globally.
- HIV-2 causes an AIDS-like illness, it is generally found in North America.
The drugs which act to stop the replication of the virus are called antiretroviral drugs.
The more commonly used antiretroviral drugs belong to five drug classes: nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), protease inhibitors (PIs), integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) and CCR5 antagonists. It has been shown that the HIV virus is a highly mutatable virus. Alterations in the genetic makeup of the virus can render it immune to a particular class of drug rendering it ineffective as a treatment option.
Studies have shown that failure of first-line antiretroviral drugs has increased the risk of cross-resistance to NRTI. Therefore, patients who failed after multiple NRTI-substitutions on first-line drugs should be referred for HIV-1 Drug Resistance testing before selecting NRTIs for optimum second-line combination drugs.
HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, the body's natural defense system, and is of two types;
-
- HIV-1 causes almost all cases of AIDS globally.
- HIV-2 causes an AIDS-like illness, it is generally found in North America.
The drugs which act to stop the replication of the virus are called antiretroviral drugs.
The more commonly used antiretroviral drugs belong to five drug classes: nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), protease inhibitors (PIs), integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) and CCR5 antagonists. It has been shown that the HIV virus is a highly mutatable virus. Alterations in the genetic makeup of the virus can render it immune to a particular class of drug rendering it ineffective as a treatment option.
Studies have shown that failure of first-line antiretroviral drugs has increased the risk of cross-resistance to NRTI. Therefore, patients who failed after multiple NRTI-substitutions on first-line drugs should be referred for HIV-1 Drug Resistance testing before selecting NRTIs for optimum second-line combination drugs.
The HIV drug resistance test is a diagnostic tool that identifies mutations in the HIV virus that make it resistant to antiretroviral therapy (ART). It helps healthcare providers select the most effective treatment regimen by determining if the HIV strain is susceptible or resistant to various antiretroviral drugs.
Yes, home sample collection is available for the HIV drug resistance test. Some diagnostic centres such as Metropolis Healthcare offer free home sample collection services, making it more convenient for patients to undergo the test without visiting a healthcare facility.
The concept of "normal levels" does not directly apply to the HIV drug resistance test. The test results are based on the presence or absence of specific genetic mutations that confer resistance to antiretroviral drugs, rather than quantitative levels.
The HIV drug resistance test is used to identify whether the HIV virus in a patient has developed resistance to antiretroviral drugs. This information guides the selection of an effective treatment regimen and helps adjust treatment plans in cases of virologic failure.
The frequency of HIV drug resistance testing depends on factors such as treatment adherence, clinical presentation, and previous test results. Generally, it is recommended before starting ART and in cases of suspected treatment failure or transmitted drug resistance.
The timing of the HIV drug resistance test is usually determined by your healthcare provider based on your treatment history and current clinical status.
No, fasting is not required for the HIV drug resistance test.
There are no specific dietary or lifestyle precautions needed before HIV drug resistance test. However, you should follow any instructions provided by your healthcare provider or testing facility and provide relevant information about your treatment adherence and clinical presentation.
The HIV drug resistance test includes sequencing of the viral genome's protease (PR), integrase (IN), and reverse transcriptase (RT) genes. This helps identify mutations associated with resistance to different classes of antiretroviral drugs.
The HIV drug resistance test should be done before starting ART to assess for pre-existing drug resistance. It is also recommended in cases of suspected treatment failure and in situations where transmitted drug resistance is a concern.
The HIV drug resistance test involves collecting a blood sample, which is a quick process.
Reports for the HIV drug resistance test are typically available within 15 days. Based on the day/time the sample was collected and processed.
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