Tests for HIV, AIDS. How to get tested for HIV PCR? HIV inf and PCR tests

Description

The Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was invented in 1983 by American biochemist Carey B. Mullis. In 1993, he was awarded the Nobel Prize for this discovery.

Today, the areas of application of PCR as a modern method of molecular biology are extremely wide. PCR diagnostics occupy a special place in medical practice. And the reason for this is quite simple: polymerase chain reaction makes the impossible possible.

PCR diagnostics are often figuratively described as a method by which you can find a needle in a haystack and then build a haystack from these needles. The "needle" is a tiny piece of a cell's genetic material (DNA or RNA).

Thus, the discovery of this method is one of the most remarkable events in the field of molecular biology in recent decades. The development of the PCR method has allowed medical diagnostics in general to rise to a qualitatively new level.

PCR Basics

The basis of the method is repeated selective copying (amplification) of a certain section of DNA in order to obtain such an amount of genetic material that will be sufficient for visual detection. In this case, only a given section of DNA is copied (amplified) many times, provided that it is present in the biomaterial under study.

In addition, the research, in addition to simply increasing the number of copies of DNA sections, allows for other manipulations with genetic material. Therefore, the method is widely used in scientific research, biological and medical practice: in the diagnosis of infectious and hereditary diseases, in identifying mutations, genotyping, establishing paternity, personal identification, etc.

PCR in the diagnosis of infectious diseases

Today, PCR diagnostics of infections is one of the most accurate, sensitive and effective clinical laboratory methods. Moreover, the range of detected pathogens is practically unlimited - a test system for PCR analysis of the desired pathogen would be developed.

Due to its high sensitivity, PCR allows you to identify the pathogen even with its minimal content (that is, only a few molecules of its DNA are present in the biomaterial being studied).

PCR detects pathogens of infectious diseases when this cannot be done by other methods (immunological, cultural, microscopic). Therefore, for a number of infectious agents, the polymerase chain reaction method has become the “gold standard”; it is time-tested and clinically tested. In modern laboratory diagnostics of infectious diseases, PCR is the most sensitive and specific method for direct detection of pathogens. This allows not only to establish the etiology of the disease, but also to monitor the course of the infectious process and evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment.

Testing for STIs using the PCR method is especially relevant in the asymptomatic course of the infectious process caused by unconditionally pathogenic microorganisms (Chlamydia, qualitative DNA determination; Mycoplasma, qualitative DNA determination; Gonorrhea agent, qualitative DNA determination; Trichomonosis agent, qualitative DNA determination). For example, with chronic gonorrhea in women, even using the bacteriological method, it is often not possible to identify gonococcus, despite the existing symptoms of a chronic inflammatory process in the cervix or urethra.

Modern PCR diagnostics allows not only to identify the genetic material of infectious agents, but also to determine their DNA/RNA concentrations (quantitative research format). Determining the number of pathogens is important in deciding on treatment, especially if opportunistic microorganisms are identified (Mycoplasma, quantitative determination of DNA; Ureaplasma typing, quantitative determination of DNA).

One of the main directions in the development of the PCR method is the “Multiprime” format developed at CMD, which makes it possible to detect several pathogens in one test tube (and one reaction).

• Pathogens of infections transmitted by ixodid ticks

PCR diagnostics of hepatitis

Currently, at least 5 viruses are known whose ability to cause liver damage has been proven. These are the causative agents of hepatitis A, B, C, D, E. In rare cases, hepatitis can be caused by Epstein-Barr and herpes simplex viruses. The ability of agents such as TT and hepatitis G viruses to infect the liver is not recognized by everyone today. All these viruses belong to different families, have different biological properties and, accordingly, treatment tactics will also differ significantly depending on the etiology of hepatitis.

Taking into account the above, a very pressing problem is the adequate etiological diagnosis of viral hepatitis with the identification of a specific pathogen. This is impossible without the use of modern molecular biological methods. Therefore, diagnosing hepatitis using the polymerase chain reaction method is one of the most important steps in establishing the cause of the disease and determining further treatment tactics.

PCR in the diagnosis of HIV infection

Currently, for the laboratory diagnosis of HIV infection, the most accessible and at the same time sensitive approach is used - detection of antibodies to HIV in the blood using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) - followed by confirmation of positive results of the analysis using immunoblotting (IB). The efficiency of identifying people infected with HIV using this approach can reach 99% or more.

But serological diagnosis of HIV infection has a number of limitations:

1. Inefficiency during the so-called period “serological window” (in the first weeks after infection, antibodies are not detected due to their absence or low concentration).
2. Antibodies to HIV have been detected for a long time in all children born to HIV-infected mothers.
3. False-positive ELISA results due to the presence in the blood of antibodies to antigens similar to HIV antigens.
4. False-negative and questionable results of ELISA and immunoblotting (especially in patients in the terminal stage of the disease).

Therefore, PCR tests for screening for HIV infection are now increasingly used. According to the “Methodological recommendations for testing for HIV infection” (approved by the Ministry of Health and Social Development of the Russian Federation on 08/06/2007) “if there are epidemiological criteria indicating a recent risk of HIV infection for patients and at the same time presumably false-positive or false-negative results in ELISA and IB, for example, When examining children born from HIV-infected mothers, or patients during the “seronegative window” period, the PCR method is used, which detects the HIV gene material...” And in the case of an already established diagnosis of HIV infection, PCR analysis is used for prognosis, dynamic observation and monitoring of therapy.

• Human immunodeficiency virus, qualitative determination of provirus DNA, PCR
• Human immunodeficiency virus quantitative determination of RNA, PCR
• Comprehensive diagnostics: qualitative determination of hepatitis C virus RNA/hepatitis B virus DNA/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) RNA types 1 and 2

At the Center for Molecular Diagnostics (CMD), you can take a PCR test for HIV anonymously.

PCR (polymerase chain reaction) is a method of molecular genetics that allows you to analyze any short sequence of DNA (or RNA) even in samples containing only minute amounts of DNA or RNA, thereby determining the presence/absence of a pathogenic pathogen (to determine, for example, whether there is human HIV or hepatitis B virus or Mycobacterium tuberculosis). PCR is used to reproduce/multiply/clone (amplify) selected sections of DNA or RNA for analysis.

The PCR method is so simple that even a schoolchild can do it)

Previously, DNA amplification involved cloning segments of interest into bacterial expression vectors and took weeks. But now that PCR is done in test tubes, it only takes a few hours. PCR is highly efficient, so that a huge number of copies can be made from DNA.

DNA sequence and nucleotide correspondence.

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Moreover, PCR uses the same molecules that nature uses to copy DNA:

• Two "primers", short single-stranded DNA sequences that are synthesized to match the start and end of the DNA stretch to be copied.
• An enzyme called a polymerase that moves along a segment of DNA, reads its code and assembles a copy.
• A bunch of DNA blocks that this polymerase needs to make.

That is, PCR is a technique in which DNA particles (sometimes RNA) are multiplied in a certain solution or on a special surface where they can be deposited.

PCR is a technique that allows scientists to find a needle in a haystack and then build a haystack from those needles.

the task of PCR as a method is to multiply (amplify), make as many copies of them as possible so that it is possible to identify who they may belong to (a specific person, animal or pathogenic organism), even if there are only traces of the presence of DNA/RNA.

However, PCR amplification is only part of the diagnostic test. After amplification, the amplified segments needs to be compared with other nucleotide segments, but from a well-known source(for example, a specific person, animal or pathogenic organism). This comparison of unique segments is often performed by placing PCR-generated nucleotide sequences next to known nucleotide sequences from humans, pathogens, or other sources in a special gel.

When an electric current passes through the gel, the different nucleotide sequences form bands that resemble a "ladder" according to their electrical charge and molecular size. This is called gel electrophoresis. They migrate to the same levels in the gel, showing the identity of the nucleotide sequences. This method is one of the most popular late-stage PCR tests.

How does PCR work?

In 1983, Kari Mullis developed the basic steps to amplify DNA sequences. He and Michael Smith were awarded the Nobel Prize for the development of PCR in 1993.

PCR is carried out in one test tube with the appropriate chemicals and at a certain heating temperature.

The following reagents or chemicals are required:

• A sample containing a nucleotide sequence (from blood, hair, pus, skin, etc.).
• DNA Primers: Short single-stranded DNA that is attached to nucleotide sequences that promotes the synthesis of a complementary strand of nucleotides.
• DNA polymerase: An enzyme that, when DNA binds to a primer, moves down the DNA fragment adding DNA building blocks to form complementary base pairs and thus synthesizes the complementary nucleotide chain of DNA (introduction of heat-stable DNA polymerase, Taq polymerase, derived from heat-resistant bacteria, significantly improves PCR ability).
• A large excess of DNA building blocks called nucleotides (adenine, thymidine, cytosine, and guanine, abbreviated as: A, T, C, and G, respectively) in solution. When these blocks are joined together, they form a nucleotide sequence, or a single strand of DNA. When these building blocks bind their complementary building block with weak hydrogen bonds (for example, A will only bond to T and G will only bond to C) a complementary DNA nucleotide sequence is formed that is linked to the original single-stranded DNA. When binding is complete, complementary double-stranded DNA is formed in a specific sequence.

Kari Mullis is a very interesting, cool guy, look how interestingly he talks about how he came up with PCR:

He believes in astrology, but does not believe that HIV causes AIDS.)

The polymerase chain reaction then begins with a segment of DNA from the sample, which is placed in a tube containing the above reagents. The solution is heated to 94°C. Heating breaks the hydrogen bonds that allow complementary DNA strands to form, so only single strands exist in the mixture (this is called double-stranded DNA denaturation).

The mixture is allowed to cool to 54°C. At this temperature, DNA primers and DNA polymerase bind to individual single-stranded DNA (this is called DNA annealing). Because the building blocks are in excess (high concentration) in the mixture, the polymerase uses them to create new complementary strands of DNA (called DNA extension), and this process occurs faster at 72°C. This process creates a new double-stranded DNA molecule from each of the single strands of the original molecule.

This cycle is repeated approximately 40 times in a machine called a thermal cycler, which automatically repeats the heating-cooling cycles, with the amount of each DNA sequence doubling each time the heating-cooling cycle is completed. What was originally one short segment of DNA could be expanded to about 100 billion copies after 40 doubling cycles.

When is a PCR test needed?

The PCR test is the basis for a number of tests that can answer many different medical questions that help doctors diagnose and treat patients. For example, PCR tests can detect and identify pathogenic organisms in patients, especially those that are difficult to culture (e.g. HIV and other viruses and some fungi).

Some doctors prescribe PCR tests to help diagnose genetic diseases, while other doctors use PCR to detect biological relationships such as identification of children's parents. PCR tests are also used for identification and characterization genetic mutations and rearrangements found at certain cancer diseases.

However, PCR tests have been modified and introduced into many aspects of scientific research, including evolutionary biology, genetic fingerprinting, forensic research, and many others.

What is RT-PCR?

Reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) is a PCR test that is designed to detect and measure the amount of RNA. Although initial PCR tests amplified DNA, many viruses and other biological components (such as mitochondria) use RNA as their genetic material. RT-PCR differs from regular PCR by first taking RNA and turning the RNA strand into a DNA strand. This is done with essentially the same method for PCR described above, except using an enzyme called reverse transcriptase instead of DNA polymerase.

Reverse transcriptase allows one strand of RNA to be converted into a complementary strand of DNA. Once this reaction occurs, the routine PCR method can then be used to amplify the DNA. RT-PCR is used to detect and study many RNA viruses. RT-PCR should not be confused with another variant of PCR called real-time PCR.

Real-time PCR is a variation of PCR that allows analysis of amplified DNA within the usual 40 cycles of the procedure. Although the procedure is similar to conventional cycling PCR, real-time PCR uses fluorescent dyes attached to some of the building blocks or small nucleotide strands. Depending on the method used, fluorescence occurs when amplified DNA strands are formed. The amount of fluorescence can be measured over 40 cycles and allows researchers to measure specific products and their quantities during amplification cycles.

This often allows researchers or technicians to skip gel electrophoresis or other secondary procedures required to analyze PCR products, thereby providing faster results. Real-time PCR and RT-PCR are variations or modifications of the original PCR test. However, there are many more options (at least 25) that exist and are used to solve specific problems. They all have different names such as assembly PCR, hot start PCR, multiplex PCR, solid-state PCR and many more.

What is a PCR test for HIV?

PCR(polymerase chain reaction) - a method of multiplying the genetic material of a virus, a test that determines the genetic material of the virus- HIV RNA or DNA.

If the virus is contained in a minimal amount, then as a result of the reaction this amount increases many times over. Therefore, PCR has a high diagnostic value.

Typically this test is used to determine HIV in donated blood or for early detection of HIV in the body before the production of specific antibodies to HIV. Specific antibodies are detected by conventional HIV tests (ELISA), but only 1-3, rarely 12 months after infection. A using PCR you can give a fairly accurate answer after 14 days with 98% confidence and even after 5 days, but then the confidence will be 80%. HIV PCR is an expensive and more labor-intensive test than ELISA, so Not everyone uses it, but only for special indications (donors who suffered from a medical accident with an HIV-infected person) or for a fee.

Qualitative PCR test for HIV— determines whether the HIV-1/HIV-2 virus is present or not, but it does not determine the number of copies of the virus (quantitative PCR is used to determine the number). High-quality PCR is NOT done for those who have a known diagnosis of HIV infection. His They do it only to those who do not yet know whether they are infected with HIV or not.

This is a method for determining the complementary DNA region in the genome of a lymphocyte cell affected by HIV. Those. It is not the virus itself that is determined, but the material that the virus integrates into the cell. Its DNA will already be stored in the nucleus of the cell, from which it will then be read and multiply (copy itself).

Quantitative PCR test for HIV

Quantitative PCR analysis for HIV RNA— determines the number of copies of the RNA virus in the blood (DNA PCR is used to determine the virus in cells, for example in children). Only done on HIV-infected people, to monitor treatment, determine the severity of the disease process, and the effectiveness of treatment.

How long after infection can HIV be detected using the PCR method?

How many days later can I take an HIV PCR test after contact with an HIV-positive partner?

HIV can be detected using PCR 4-14 days after infection. A negative PCR result for HIV is reliable after 14 days after risky contact, but according to current regulations, testing with the help of is still required.

How is DNA PCR different from HIV RNA PCR?

RNA typically used in quantitative tests to assess viral load in diagnosed individuals, for example to assess the effectiveness of therapy.

DNA- in mononuclear cells, for example, for diagnosis in children, where maternal antibodies to HIV prevent the use of the ELISA method.

Both tests can be both quantitative and qualitative.

Both of them can be used in special cases for diagnostics, but taking into account the specific limitations imposed by the technical parameters of the system, i.e. as prescribed by a doctor.

Can HIV PCR be false positive, reasons?

If done right: the nurse did not mix up the tubes, looked at the passport before drawing blood, labeled the tube correctly, wrote out the directions correctly, etc., and the laboratory specialist (usually a laboratory assistant) did everything according to the instructions, he met all the requirements of the laboratory regulations (for example, the biomaterial was correctly “excavated”, without cross-contamination (contamination), etc.) and a high-quality test system was used, THEN PCR CAN be false positive only in 2% of cases (this is due to the sensitivity of the test systems used) .

But if mistakes were made on the part of medical personnel institutions , THEN PCR can be false positive in more than 2% of cases.

How is PCR testing for HIV performed?

To test for HIV using the PCR method, blood is donated from a vein, preferably (but not necessarily) in the morning on an empty stomach.

Where can I get tested for HIV PCR?

To do this, enter " take HIV PCR test" and add your locality to the request and you will see organizations that are engaged in PCR research in your area.

For example,

How much does a PCR HIV test cost?

Near 1.5-3 thousand rubles. depending on the region.

What is the reliability of the results of a PCR test for HIV?

Through 14 days after infection, the reliability of PCR for HIV is 100%, from 4-5 days - the reliability is 80%.

How long does it take to perform a PCR test for HIV?

Technically 4-6 hours, but in reality it depends on the organization of the laboratory and usually the result is given in 2-3 days.

PCR for HIV in a newborn baby

Since a child under 1.5 years old born from an HIV+ mother retains her antibodies against HIV, it is impossible to determine whether the child is infected with HIV or not using ELISA. In this situation, PCR is used:

• If a virus is detected in a 1-month-old child using PCR, it means he has become infected.
• If a child has a negative PCR at 1-2 months and 4-6 months, then provided that the mother did not feed him with her breast milk, the child is healthy.

What is the difference between PCR and ELISA?

PCR determines the virus itself, and ELISA determines the body’s reaction (in the form of antibodies) to the virus.

PCR detects the presence of the virus faster than ELISA.

A method for treating the disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus has not yet been found. But diagnostics have achieved serious success. An HIV test performed using the PCR method is one of the options for detecting the virus in the body.

Polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, is one of the modern methods for diagnosing HIV. It is based on the ability of nucleic acids to reproduce themselves. The cell of any living organism includes protein and nucleic acids:

• RNA - ribonucleic acid,
• DNA - deoxyribonucleic acid.

These macromolecules store the genetic code. If the concentration of viral cells in the blood is low, the sample does not contain entire DNA chains, but their individual “building blocks” - nucleotides. The polymerase chain reaction detects even such “fragments” of viral cells. This allows you to get results early after a possible infection, when the first clinical symptoms have not yet appeared.

The most accurate result can be obtained using venous blood for analysis. A couple of days before undergoing the examination. Stop taking immunostimulating drugs 2 weeks before.

A biomaterial sample is digested in a medical laboratory reactor. The fractions are then treated with enzymes. The reagents combine with the DNA of the viral molecule and duplicate it. From one cell you get 2, from 2 - 4, then 8. The number grows exponentially. The chain reaction allows you to quickly increase the amount of the viral component and make it visible to laboratory technicians.

The norm is a negative test result, which looks like this: “No virus DNA detected.” This is the reference (statistical average) value.

Advantages and disadvantages of the PCR technique for HIV

Diagnosing HIV using PCR has undeniable advantages, but there are also significant disadvantages. The first include:

• High accuracy. The likelihood of getting false negative results is extremely low.
• Versatility. Not only blood is suitable for research, but also other biological fluids (vaginal discharge, semen). Saliva and urine are also used, but the accuracy of the result will be lower. In these environments, the concentration of viral cells is insignificant.
• Wide range of analysis. One sample of biomaterial can be tested for several diseases.
• Execution speed. Polymerase chain reaction is an urgent diagnostic method. You can find out the answer the very next day.
• Confidence is 80%. Using the PCR method, viral particles can be detected, even if their concentration is low. This allows you to diagnose the disease in the early stages and start therapy in a timely manner.
• Early diagnosis of HIV infection. The time when HIV is detected in the blood using PCR is 10-14 days after the suspected infection. This is the standard interval for diagnosing the immunodeficiency virus. at this stage are not yet detected; the ELISA method does not work.
• There are no age restrictions. This testing can be carried out on a child from the moment of birth.

Disadvantages of the PCR method in diagnosing HIV:

• Higher cost compared to 3rd generation enzyme immunoassay.
• Requires sophisticated medical equipment.
• The error is 20% due to the high sensitivity of the reaction. In case of autoimmune diseases, malignant tumors, chronic infections, PCR can give a false positive result.

Who needs PCR?

• Early response is needed for preliminary diagnosis. PCR helps confirm or refute ELISA results.
• Immunoblotting gave a positive result. If PCR analysis is carried out first, then confirmation of the result by immunoblotting is mandatory. The research complements each other. Using 2 methods at once, doctors eliminate the possibility of errors.
• Once positive is confirmed, PCR helps monitor the effectiveness of the therapy.
• Used to test donor blood for the presence.
• PCR can be performed even on children under one year old. This method is used to find out the HIV status of newborns whose mothers are carriers of the virus. A test carried out in the first days of life will show whether intrauterine infection has occurred. Infection could occur while the baby was passing through the birth canal. acquired by the baby during childbirth can be identified after 2 - 3 weeks.

How long does it take to do a PCR test, and where can I get it?

Carrying out a PCR test for HIV and deciphering the results does not require much time. Blood collection takes 5-7 minutes. In the standard case, the laboratory technician only needs 24 hours to prepare the certificate. Diagnosis takes no more than 8 hours, the rest of the time is required for registration. The patient receives the report the next business day. perform within 2 hours.

HIV testing in this manner is not carried out under the compulsory medical insurance policy. You cannot receive this service for free at a public clinic. But almost all commercial laboratories usually have the necessary equipment and reagents. PCR testing is often included in general HIV screening. The price of complex diagnostics ranges from 600 to 1000 rubles.

You can complete the procedure anonymously. At the reception, the patient is given an individual number by which he will find out the result. Modern medical centers display all data on their website in the client’s personal account.

The main difference between these diagnostic methods is that testing for the HIV (AIDS) virus is more accurate, earlier and necessary for a full diagnosis and treatment.

Although the antibody test does not have such accuracy, it has an undeniable advantage - low price and short production time.

• Experienced venereologists with over 20 years of experience
• Urgent tests for HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C - 500 rubles for one infection, tests will be ready in 20 minutes
• Treatment is anonymous - your passport is not required
• Clinic in the center of Moscow, 5 minutes from Novokuznetskaya or Tretyakovskaya metro stations, parking available

At the Polyclinic +1 clinic, tests for antibodies to HIV (AIDS) can be carried out in 20 minutes, blood is donated from a vein. The cost of such an analysis is 500 rubles. You can take this and other tests completely ANONYMOUSLY.

Tests for the HIV (AIDS) virus become positive from 5-7 days

Tests for the HIV virus (AIDS) become positive starting from 5-7 days from the moment of infection, gradually increasing the percentage of detection, and reach 100% by 30-40 days.

It should be noted that in the early stages of possible infection, you can take prophylaxis against HIV infection. This prevention has been well tested in HIV-infected pregnant women giving birth. As a result of such prevention, 3 out of 4 children are born healthy.

Tests for the HIV (AIDS) virus are carried out in two versions:

• Detection of HIV (AIDS) (result positive-negative)
• Detection of HIV (AIDS) with a concentration test (if the test is positive, the amount of virus in 1 ml of blood is determined). This test is the gold standard for diagnosis.

The lead time for testing for the HIV (AIDS) virus ranges from 3 to 10 days

Tests for antibodies (ELISA) to HIV (AIDS) depend on the condition of the body and begin to appear in the form of positive results after 2-3 weeks; the maximum probability of detecting such an analysis can reach up to 6 months after infection. When searching for antibodies to HIV (AIDS), reactions are initially carried out in a regular laboratory; in the case of a positive test, the blood is sent to a specialized HIV laboratory. In this case, the patient is informed that his blood is retained for 10-15 days. Only a specialized HIV laboratory can issue a conclusion on a positive test for antibodies to the human immunodeficiency virus.

At the Polyclinic +1 clinic, tests for antibodies to HIV can be carried out in 20 minutes, for which blood is drawn from a vein.

The cost of such an analysis 500 rubles. You can pass this and other tests in full ANONYMOUSLY.

We are waiting for you at our clinic.

HIV infection is a severe viral disease with a long asymptomatic period, characterized by damage to the human immune system and dangerous due to its late diagnosis. The terms “HIV” and “AIDS” are often used interchangeably; in fact, AIDS is the terminal (last) stage of HIV infection, which lasts 1-2 years. According to research, from the moment of infection until the disease enters the terminal stage in the absence of treatment, on average, 9-11 years pass. Early diagnosis of the disease using ELISA or PCR analysis for HIV allows you to start antiretroviral therapy in a timely manner, stop the progression of the disease and lead a full life for many years, despite the presence of the human immunodeficiency virus in the body.

Routes of HIV transmission:

• unprotected sexual intercourse;
• transfusion of blood and blood products;
• use of non-sterile instruments during medical interventions;
• injuries to medical personnel with unsterile instruments;
• perinatal infection: transmission of the virus during pregnancy and childbirth.

Tests for AIDS (HIV) are prescribed:

• during casual sexual contact;
• when planning pregnancy and during pregnancy;
• in preparation for hospitalization;
• with sudden weight loss;
• with a prolonged increase in body temperature of unknown origin.

Rapid blood test for HIV

• to detect the virus during the “seronegative window”;
• if the immunoblot result is questionable;
• to determine the genotype of the virus - HIV-1 or HIV-2;
• to control the viral load on the body;
• to determine the HIV status of newborns if the mother is HIV-infected;
• after a blood transfusion.

Anonymous HIV test

Draw your attention to: the results of anonymous tests for AIDS (HIV) cannot be used for professional examinations, hospitalization or provision to the attending physician in a clinic.

The results of an HIV test, regardless of their outcome, are issued only if the patient personally contacts the laboratory department. When examining minors (under 14 years of age) - to the legal representative specified in the order.

Results are issued upon presentation of a contract, estimate and identification document of the patient himself or the patient’s representative specified in the order.

IF AN HIV TEST IS PRESCRIBED FOR THE PURPOSES OF PREPARATION FOR HOSPITALIZATION OR FOR PROVISION IN A HEALTHCARE FACILITY, REGISTRATION OF APPLICATIONS FOR IT IS CARRIED OUT subject to the mandatory provision by the patient of the following data:

1) For residents of Moscow and the Moscow region

• Full Name
• Day, month and year of birth
• Registration Information
• Passport
• Insurance policy (series and number of the insurance policy, name of the insurance company).

• Full Name
• Day, month and year of birth
• Registration Information
• Insurance policy (series and number of the insurance policy, name of the insurance company)
• Photocopy (scan) of passport

How long does it take to test for HIV?

The results of the ELISA test can be obtained within 1 business day, but not earlier than 1.5-3 months from the date of suspected infection; the result of PCR diagnostics can be found out within 10 days from the date of suspected infection. The turnaround time for a Real-Time PCR test is 3 business days.