HIV-1 RNA Combo 1

Flow Cytometry allows for the enumeration of CD4+ T lymphocytes while Real-Time PCR amplifies and quantifies HIV-1 RNA.

HIV-1 RNA Combo 1 is done for several reasons, including:

• Monitoring the effectiveness of HIV treatment
• Assessing disease progression
• Evaluating viral load and response to antiretroviral therapy
• Determining when to start or change treatment
• Testing newborns born to mothers with HIV

HIV-1 RNA Combo 1 is recommended in the following cases:

• Confirming an HIV diagnosis
• Monitoring individuals with known HIV infection
• Evaluating pregnant women with HIV
• Assessing newborns born to mothers with HIV

The normal range for HIV-1 RNA levels varies depending on the stage of infection and treatment. Abnormal results may indicate a higher viral load, which can affect treatment decisions. Your doctor will interpret the results in context with your medical history and other tests.

During the test:

• A small sample of your blood and plasma will be collected using a needle.
• The collection process is typically quick and may cause mild discomfort.
• The samples will be sent to the laboratory for analysis.
• The test uses flow cytometry and real-time PCR methods to measure the HIV-1 RNA levels.
• Results are usually available the next day.

To prepare for the test:

• No fasting or special diet is required.
• Inform your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking.
• Follow any specific instructions given by your doctor regarding the timing of medication doses.

Provide accurate clinical history, including previous HIV tests and treatment information.

Other tests that may be recommended alongside HIV-1 RNA Combo 1 include:

• CD4 count: Measures the number of CD4 cells in your blood to evaluate immune function
• Drug resistance testing: Determines if the virus has developed resistance to specific antiretroviral medications.

HIV viral load test or HIV RNA test

HIV/AIDS refers to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). HIV weakens the immune system, and if left untreated, it can progress to AIDS, a stage where the immune system is severely damaged, making individuals susceptible to opportunistic infections and other illnesses.

The HIV combo test is a diagnostic tool that detects both antibodies and the p24 antigen of HIV-1 and HIV-2. It aids in the early detection and diagnosis of HIV infections, even before the body develops antibodies.

Yes, home sample collection for the HIV combo test is available through certain diagnostic centres like Metropolis Healthcare. These labs offer convenient home collection services, ensuring proper handling and timely transportation of the sample for accurate results. Always confirm availability with the specific laboratory.

For the HIV combo test, "normal" levels indicate that no HIV p24 antigen or antibodies to HIV-1 and HIV-2 are detected. The test provides a qualitative result, either reactive or non-reactive, rather than numerical values.

Currently, there is no cure for HIV infection. However, antiretroviral therapy (ART) can effectively manage the virus, suppressing viral loads to undetectable levels and preventing the progression to AIDS.

Symptoms of HIV infection can vary but may include flu-like symptoms in the early stages, such as fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. In later stages, symptoms can include weight loss, recurrent infections, and opportunistic infections.

HIV becomes AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) when the virus severely weakens the immune system, leading to a significant reduction in CD4 T cell count (typically below 200 cells/mm³) and the presence of specific opportunistic infections or cancers.

The window period is the time between exposure to HIV and when the test can detect the virus. For fourth-generation combo tests, this period is generally around 2-4 weeks, but it can be as short as 10-14 days in some cases.

The HIV combo test is used for early detection and diagnosis of HIV-1 and HIV-2 infections, screening to prevent transmission through blood and other bodily fluids, and in multi-test algorithms to confirm positive results.

The frequency of testing depends on individual risk factors. Those at high risk should get tested every 3-6 months. For others, annual testing may suffice.

There is no specific time of day recommended for the HIV combo test.

No, fasting is not required for the HIV combo test.

It is important to avoid any activities that could lead to cross-contamination and ensure that the sample is collected and handled properly. Follow the instructions provided by the healthcare professional or laboratory.

The HIV combo test measures the presence of HIV p24 antigen and antibodies to HIV-1 and HIV-2. The p24 antigen indicates an active HIV infection, while the antibodies indicate exposure to the virus and an immune response.

The HIV combo test should be done if you have recently engaged in high-risk behaviours, have been exposed to HIV, or as part of routine screening.

Generally, the test itself can be completed within a few hours, but results may take a few days to be available.

The turnaround time for HIV combo test reports can vary depending from lab to lab and their workload. Typically, results are available within 24 hours based on day/time the sample was collected and processed.