Viral STD Panel

The Viral STD Panel is a collection of tests used to diagnose certain sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) caused by viruses. The Viral STD Panel detects the following viral STDs:

• HIV-1 and HIV-2
• Herpes-type 1 and herpes-type 2
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C 

What Does This Panel Include?

The Viral STD Panel includes the following tests:

• HIV 4th Generation Duo Antigen/Antibody Test: Detects both HIV-1 and HIV-2 by identifying antibodies (proteins in the body that help fight infection) and p24 antigens (a protein specific to HIV) in the blood.
• Herpes Type 1 (HSV-1) & Herpes Type 2 (HSV-2) Panel: Tests for both HSV-1 and HSV-2 by detecting immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies in the blood.
• Hepatitis A Antibody Titer Test: Detects Immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies in the blood to diagnose a new or early (acute) hepatitis A infections.
• Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) Test: Detects hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in the blood. HBsAg is the earliest indicator of hepatitis B infection, so this test can be used to identify both acute (new) and chronic (lasting longer than six months) infection.  
• Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Antibody Test: Also called the Anti-HCV Test, detects hepatitis C antibodies in the blood to diagnose hepatitis C infection.

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

Oftentimes, people can be infected with STDs and not even know it. That’s because they don’t have any symptoms at all. The only way to know with certainty whether you have an STD or not is to get tested. 

If you engage in vaginal, oral, and/or anal sex, it’s important to get tested regularly to:

• Avoid infecting others
• Get appropriate treatment and avoid serious health complications like liver failure
• Avoid passing an STD on to a newborn baby at childbirth 

Who Should Consider a Viral STD Panel?

Individuals who are at a higher risk of contracting viral STDs should consider getting the Viral STD Panel. People who are at a higher risk of contracting viral STDs are men and women who:

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

If you get a Viral STD Panel before 12 weeks after potential exposure, it is recommended to retest after 12 weeks from the date of potential exposure.

What to Expect from Lab Visit 

To complete the Viral STD Panel, patients will need to have a blood sample collected in a certified laboratory. To order the Viral STD Panel, purchase the test on our website and take your lab requisition form to the laboratory location most convenient to you. You can find locations using our lab locator. Drop by the lab at any time during business hours—there is no need to make an appointment. The results of your Viral STD Panel will arrive in your HealthLabs.com account within one to three business days. 

There is a recommended window for viral STD testing. Each viral STD has a unique timeframe in which it can be detected in the blood. To ensure the most accurate results for each test, it is recommended that you get the Viral STD Panel 12 weeks after potential exposure.

Diagnosis & Treatment of Viral STDs

Since viral STDs are caused by viruses, they are not curable. However, treatment options are available to manage symptoms, prevent the virus from progressing, and reduce the risk of infecting others with the virus. Your doctor will recommend the appropriate treatment option based on the results of your test. 

Sources:

1. “What Is a 4th Generation HIV Test?” Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323901.php
2. “Acute vs. Chronic Infection.” Hepatitis B Foundation. https://www.hepb.org/what-is-hepatitis-b/what-is-hepb/acute-vs-chronic/  
3. “Sexually Transmitted Diseases.” Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/symptoms-causes/syc-20351240