Genetrace HIV Test

Get answers to commonly asked questions about this test kit.

How does the HIV Test work?
The HIV Test kit comes with everything you need to collect a small blood sample from your finger in the comfort of your own home. Simply follow the instructions provided and use the kit to collect the sample. Then, use the prepaid envelope included to mail the sample to our lab.

At the lab, we use a highly accurate, fully automated 4th generation test to analyze the blood sample for the presence of the HIV p24 antigen and antibodies to HIV-1 and HIV-2. This advanced test can detect the virus as early as 18-45 days after exposure, which is much faster than other rapid HIV tests that can take up to three months or longer to detect the antibodies. This means you can get results sooner and take action to protect your health.

What happens if my HIV test comes back positive?
If your HIV screening test result is positive, it’s important to get follow-up tests to confirm the result. Please reach out to your healthcare professional who can guide you through the next steps and arrange for the confirmatory tests.

How is HIV treated?
If you have been diagnosed with HIV, your doctor may prescribe antiretroviral therapy (ART) to help manage the virus. ART is a highly effective treatment that works by lowering the amount of virus in your bloodstream, keeping it under control and preventing damage to your body.

It’s important to follow your ART regimen exactly as prescribed by your doctor and not miss any doses. Doing so can allow the virus to start replicating again, putting your health at risk.

In addition to ART, leading a healthy lifestyle, visiting the doctor regularly, and having a strong support system can also help manage HIV and maintain good health. With the right care and support, people with HIV can live long and healthy lives.

What are PrEP and PEP?
PrEP and PEP are two different medications that can help lower the risk of getting HIV.

PrEP (Pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a pill that someone can take every day if they are at a high risk of getting HIV. It can reduce the chances of getting HIV from sex by up to 90%.
PEP (Post-exposure prophylaxis) is a short-term treatment that someone can take after they may have been exposed to HIV. It’s only meant to be used in an emergency and must be started within 72 hours of the exposure.

It’s important to talk to a doctor to see if PrEP or PEP is right for you.

What are the symptoms of HIV?
The symptoms of HIV can vary from person to person and may not appear for several weeks or even months after infection. HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system and over time can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The course of the illness can be divided into three stages: acute infection, chronic infection, and AIDS.

Acute HIV Infection

This is the first stage of HIV and usually happens within 2 to 4 weeks of being infected. During this time, some people may have flu-like symptoms like fever, headache, and a rash. The virus is spreading rapidly in the body and attacking the immune system, making it easier to spread to others. Starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) during this stage can bring significant health benefits.

Chronic HIV Infection

During this stage, the virus is still in the body but at low levels. People with chronic HIV infection may not have any symptoms. Although it is still possible to spread HIV to others during this stage, people who take ART as prescribed and have an undetectable viral load can minimize their risk of transmitting HIV to others.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

This is the last and most severe stage of HIV. By this time, the virus has damaged the immune system so much that the body can’t fight off infections. People with HIV are diagnosed with AIDS if they have a low count of a type of white blood cell (CD4) or if they have certain infections. People with AIDS can easily spread HIV to others and without treatment, they typically only live for about 3 years.