STI Detection Package near me in Ernakulam

The VDRL-RPR (Rapid Plasma Reagin) test looks for antibodies (specific proteins) that react to syphilis in the blood. This means the test doesn't find the actual bacteria that cause syphilis. Instead, it looks for antibodies against substances given off by cells that have been harmed by the bacteria.  Antibodies are a specific type of protein produced by your immune system to fight off any invaders, such as bacteria, viruses, or toxins. Detecting these antibodies can help your doctors know if you have syphilis. Untreated syphilis can spread to your eyes, blood vessels, heart, and brain. But it can be easily cured if treated in the early stages.

An Hepatitis C Antibody (HCV), Rapid Screening Test test determines if HCV has infected you and helps your doctor guide your treatment. This is a rapid card based immunochromatographic test which is used for screening purposes only. A reactive result needs to be confirmed by other more specific NAT/ nucleic acid tests before final diagnosis.

HCV causes liver inflammation and is classified into acute hepatitis infection and chronic hepatitis infection.

• Acute hepatitis C: This occurs in the first six months after exposure to the hepatitis C virus. In the early stage of the infection, acute hepatitis C is mild and may cause no symptoms. For this reason, most people do not know they have this infection.

• Chronic hepatitis C: If your body cannot fight off the virus, you can develop a chronic hepatitis C infection. Progression from acute to chronic hepatitis C is common, occurring in 75-85% of patients. Detecting chronic hepatitis C early is important to prevent future complications, such as liver failure, and initiate effective treatment.

An HIV 1 and 2 Antibody, Rapid Screening Test detects HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies in the blood and confirms the presence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV-1 was discovered first and is the most widespread, whereas HIV-2 is more than 55% genetically different from HIV-1. The transmission rate of HIV-2 is also slower than HIV-1. This test also helps to differentiate between the two HIV infections. However, due to high cross-reactivity between the two subtypes, confirmation tests such as western blot or PCR must be performed.

An Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg), Rapid Screening Test is a rapid screening test. An Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg), Rapid Screening Test test helps screen for the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in a suspected individual. HBsAg is the first serological marker to appear in the blood ( within 1 to 10 weeks) after recent exposure to HBV. Persistence of this marker for more than 6 months implies chronic (long-term) HBV infection which may lead to liver damage (scarring or cirrhosis). A person who has a chronic infection is capable of spreading the infection to healthy individuals, even if they do not show or experience any symptoms. The diagnosis of any reactive HBsAg result relies on additional supplemental tests like anti-HBs antibody and total anti-HBc antibodies. Confirmation can be done using nucleic acid tests like HBV DNA by PCR.