The fourth-generation HIV-1/O/2 assay is acknowledged to detect acute HIV infection 4 to 12 days earlier than third-generation assays. Coupled with supplemental tests and clinical information, this cascade can help decrease the spread of HIV infection. According to the CLSI guideline, anyone testing positive by a fourth-generation screening assay and supplemental tests (either antibody or RNA detection) should initiate care and follow-up tests for clinical staging.1
Chlamydia trachomatis Culture; Chlamydia trachomatis DNA Probe; Chlamydia trachomatisby Amplified Detection; Chlamydia trachomatis by Direct Antigen Detection (DFA) Related tests: Gonorrhea Testing Why Get Tested? To screen for or diagnose a chlamydia infection When to Get Tested? For screening: may be recommended if you are sexually active, pregnant or considering pregnancy, or at increased risk for this sexually transmitted disease (STD) For diagnosis: when you have symptoms of this STD, such as such as vaginal discharge and abdominal pain (for women) or unusual discharge from the penis or pain on urination (for men); when a newborn has conjunctivitis Sample Required? a first-catch urine sample Test Preparation Needed? You may be instructed to wait one to two hours after you last urinated before collecting a urine sample. Follow any instructions you are given.
Gonorrhea is a STD and you should get a gonorrhea test if you have symptoms, such as (for women) increased vaginal discharge, bleeding associated with vaginal intercourse, or burning/painful urination; or (for men) pus discharging from the penis, a burning sensation during urination, or proctitis (inflammation of the rectal or anal area). Because many infected people do not have any symptoms, a number of organizations have published screening recommendations.
Detection of antibodies specific to herpes type 1 and/or 2 only Detect IgG antibodies specific to HSV types 1 and/or 2 infection; confirm or rule out possible infection with herpes simplex types 1 and/or 2 virus in prenatal patients in whom HSV infection can cause serious prenatal disease. In a patient with no history of lesion disease, a positive result for this test may be indicative that the primary infection was asymptomatic. Once infected by HSV, it is possible for a patient to shed virus without the development of lesions (asymptomatic shedding). This test does not indicate the site of HSV infection. Herpes simplex viruses which are more commonly known as herpes, are categorized into two types: herpes type 1 (HSV-1, or oral herpes) and herpes type 2 (HSV-2, or genital herpes). Herpes type 1 most commonly causes sores around the mouth and lips (sometimes called fever blisters or cold sores). HSV-1 may cause genital herpes, but most cases of genital herpes are caused by herpes type 2. In HSV-2, the infected person may have sores around the rectum or genitals. Although HSV-2 sores may occur in other locations, these sores generally are found below the waist.
Syphilis is a bacterial infection spread through skin to skin contact with an infected area including during sexual contact. Syphilis is often called “the great imitator” because it can display symptoms which are common to a number of other conditions. Syphilis can display different symptoms at different stages of infection. However, these symptoms are not universal and some may appear at different times for different people or not at all. Initial infections are often characterized by the appearance of one or more round, painless sores around the infected area. Other symptoms can include a rash which often appears on the hands or feet, fever, swollen glands, sore throat, headaches, muscle aches, weight loss, and fatigue. It is common for Syphilis to go years without displaying any symptoms. If left untreated, Syphilis can damage the brain, nerves, eyes, liver, and bones. Syphilis is highly contagious and testing is advisable for anyone who is sexually active. The Syphilis RPR test is typically ordered as an initial screening for Syphilis.
is a contagious, acute (new) liver disease that, unlike hepatitis B and C, does not become chronic (long-term). Hepatitis A is a virus and its infections can be mild and last a few weeks, or severe and last several months. People with hepatitis A are typically cured of the virus without treatment and often only need proper rest and fluid intake.