Comprehensive STD Panel with Early HIV Detection

Note: While most tests take 1 to 3 business days to return results, the HIV RNA Test for Early Detection is a specialized test, therefore results may take 2 to 4 business days.

The Comprehensive STD Panel With Early HIV Detection consists of a comprehensive collection of tests that are used to diagnose certain viral and bacterial STDs, including HIV. This Comprehensive STD Panel is unique because it includes the HIV RNA Early Detection Test that can detect HIV as early as 9 to 11 days post potential exposure.

The Comprehensive STD Panel With Early HIV Detection tests for the following STDs:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• HIV RNA early detection
• Herpes-type 1 and Herpes-type 2
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C   
• Syphilis  

What is Included in This Panel?

The Comprehensive STD Panel With Early HIV Detection Test includes the following tests:

• HIV RNA Test for Early Detection: Detects HIV’s own genetic material in the blood to diagnose HIV.
• Herpes Type 1 (HSV-1) & Herpes Type 2 (HSV-2) Panel: Detects both HSV-1 and HSV-2 by identifying Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies in the blood.
• Chlamydia Urine Test: Detects the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria in the urine.
• Gonorrhea Urine Test: Detects the presence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria in the urine.
• Hepatitis A Antibody Test: Tests for hepatitis A by detecting Immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies in the blood.
• Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) Test: Tests for both acute (new) and chronic (lasting longer than six months) hepatitis B infection by detecting the hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) in the blood.
• Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Antibody Test: Also called the Anti-HCV Test, tests for hepatitis C infection by detecting HCV antibodies in the blood. 
• Syphilis Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) Test: Tests for syphilis by detecting certain antibodies found in the blood when healthy cells are attacked by Treponema pallidum, the bacteria that causes syphilis.

How Is This Test Administered?

A blood sample and urine sample are needed to conduct a Comprehensive STD Panel With Early HIV Detection. To get this test, place your order online and take your lab requisition form to a certified laboratory. You can find locations using our lab locator. Simply stop by the lab during their business hours—there’s no need to make an appointment. Because the Early Detection HIV RNA test is a specialized test, your results may take up to four business days to arrive at your HealthLabs.com account. 

Each sexually transmitted disease has a unique time frame in which it can be detected in the blood and/or urine. To ensure the most accurate results for all tests included in the Comprehensive STD Panel With Early HIV Detection, it is recommended that you get this test done 8 to 12 weeks after potential exposure.

Why Is It Important for Men and Women to Get Tested?

Early detection of STDs and HIV allows patients to start treatment as soon as possible. When treatment is started in the early stages of infection, it:

• Significantly reduces one’s risk of infecting others
• Significantly reduces the risk of developing health complications associated with STDs and HIV, like certain cancers
• Can help patients maintain a healthy immune system 

An STD panel is recommended alongside HIV testing because people who have been diagnosed with an STD are more likely to contract HIV and to infect others with HIV.

If you get a Comprehensive STD Panel With Early HIV Detection test before eight weeks after potential exposure, it is recommended that you redo the test between 8 and 12 weeks after the date of potential exposure.

Who Should Consider Taking This Panel?

Any individual who is concerned that they may have contracted HIV or an STD should consider getting the Comprehensive STD Panel with Early HIV Detection. People who are at a higher than average risk of contracting HIV and other STDs should consider the Comprehensive STD Panel With Early HIV Detection. Men and women at a higher than average risk include those who:

• Are between the ages of 15 to 24
• Have sex with multiple partners
• Have a sex partner who has been diagnosed with HIV or another STD
• Have been forced to have sex 
• Currently used or previously used injectable drugs

Sources:

1. “STDs and HIV – CDC Fact Sheet.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/std/hiv/stdfact-std-hiv-detailed.htm
2. “The Most Dangerous Complications of HIV and AIDS.” Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/hiv-aids/most-dangerous-complications-of-hiv
3. “Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).” Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/symptoms-causes/syc-20351240