HIV Western Blot Test - Price, Procedure, Uses, & More

Introduction to HIV Antibodies Test by Western Blot

HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), is a sexually transmitted virus that damages your immune system and interferes with your body's ability to fight infection and disease. It is caused by 2 types of virus, namely HIV 1 and HIV 2. The western blot test helps to confirm the presence of antibodies to Type 1 (HIV-1) and Type 2 (HIV-2) in the blood. 

The HIV Western Blot test is a confirmatory test to identify the antibodies to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). It is often conducted after a preliminary HIV screening test, such as the ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), returns a positive result. This test works by separating HIV proteins and detecting antibodies the immune system produces in response to HIV infection.

The doctors may recommend the HIV Western Blot test for people who have a positive result from an initial HIV screening, those who have been at risk of HIV exposure (e.g., unprotected sex, sharing needles), and those experiencing HIV-related symptoms. It is also recommended for pregnant women to reduce the risk of transmission to the baby.

The test is usually performed 2-4 weeks after a potential exposure, as it may take time for the body to produce detectable levels of HIV antibodies. Early detection through the Western Blot test is crucial to start the treatment and reduce the risk of HIV-related complications. You can book your HIV Western Blot test from Redcliffe Labs. The professionals here provide you with 100% accurate reports on time. Download the Redcliffe Labs app today and book your home sample collection!

Test Details in Brief

Purpose of the HIV Western Blot Test

The HIV Western blot test is used to confirm the diagnosis of HIV or Lyme disease after an ELISA antibody test shows results positive or negative. Since the ELISA test may sometimes produce false positive results, a second or confirmatory test is needed to further the diagnosis. Here is the purpose of the HIV Western Blot test-

• Confirm HIV Diagnosis—The Western blot test confirms a positive result from an initial screening test (e.g., ELISA).
• Detects HIV Antibodies- The test identifies specific antibodies to the HIV in the blood.
• Early Detection—The HIV Western Blot test helps detect early HIV infection, even when antibodies are not in large amounts.
• Identify Risk Groups- The HIV antibody test is recommended for people who are at high risk of HIV exposure or those exhibiting symptoms.
• Pregnancy Monitoring- The screening is important for pregnant women to reduce transmission risks to the baby.

What does the HIV Western Blot Test detect?

The HIV Western Blot test detects HIV-specific antibodies in the blood. The immune system produces these antibodies in response to HIV. By detecting these antibodies, the Western Blot test helps confirm whether a person has been exposed to HIV and whether they have developed an immune response to the virus.

Western blot HIV tests look for antibodies against the following HIV proteins.

• Gp120/gp160 and Gp41: Envelope proteins of the HIV virus.
• p55, p17, P24: A core protein associated with HIV.
• p31, p51, p66- Enzymes that HIV uses in the process of infection

HIV-positive people need to have these antibodies against certain HIV proteins, and different algorithms assign positivity differently.

When is the HIV Western Blot Test Recommended?

The HIV antibodies Western Blot test is advised if a person has been exposed to HIV or is at high risk of contracting HIV. The people who are at high risk of HIV include.

• People who use intravenous (IV) drugs
• People who have intercourse without a condom, especially with someone who has HIV or an unknown HIV status. 
• Pregnant women should take the test to reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission.
• People who have any sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
• People who have had potential exposure to HIV (e.g., unprotected sex, needle sharing, or occupational exposure).

Doctors typically recommend this test 2-4 weeks after potential exposure, as the body takes time to produce detectable antibodies.

Preparation for the HIV Western Blot Test

No special preparation is required for the HIV Western Blot test. This is a blood test; the healthcare provider will collect your blood sample. However, getting the test results may take several days and, in some cases, weeks.

Additional Instructions

• The patient has to sign the HIV Consent Form during sample collection.
• A copy of the patient's self-attested Adhaar Card will be provided during sample collection.

The procedure of the HIV Western Blot Test

To prevent any complications during the HIV Western blot test, the patient should discuss their condition with their healthcare provider if:

• You had trouble giving blood in the past
• If you bruise easily
• If you have a bleeding disorder, such as hemophilia
• If you are taking anticoagulant medications (blood thinners)

The procedure for getting a blood sample is the same as other blood tests. A healthcare provider will- 

• Clean the skin site from where they will collect the blood.
• He will then apply a tourniquet, or elastic band, around the area to make the veins visible.
• He will then use a syringe or needle and collect the blood from the veins.
• After sample collection, the healthcare provider will remove the needle and apply cotton gauze or a bandage over the sample collection site.

The overall sample collection process will take approximately 5-10 minutes. However, if you have any questions, consult your doctor. 

What do the HIV Western Blot Test reports indicate?

The HIV Western Blot test report provides the following indications based on the presence or absence of specific HIV antibodies.

• Positive Result—A positive result indicates that the test has detected antibodies to HIV proteins, confirming an HIV infection. The Western Blot test is definitive, as it is highly accurate and specific.
• Negative Result- A negative result means that no HIV-specific antibodies were detected in the blood sample. It means that a person has not been infected with HIV or has not yet developed any antibodies. However, it may be too early for antibodies to show up in cases of recent exposure (within 2-4 weeks).

Healthcare providers interpret the result based on these factors and may recommend further follow-up testing if necessary.

Getting the results of HIV Western Blot or differentiation test can be stressful, as waiting often causes anxiety. A positive result can bring up strong emotions, but doctors can connect individuals with counseling or HIV support groups if needed.

While HIV is a serious condition, it’s important to know that treatments are available today to stop it from progressing to AIDS. With proper care, people living with HIV can enjoy long and healthy lives. The sooner someone knows their HIV status, the sooner they can start treatment to avoid health problems and reduce the risk of passing the virus to others.

What are the common symptoms related to HIV?

The symptoms of the HIV virus may include:

• Night Sweats
• Chills
• Fever 
• Headache
• Muscle aches and joint pain
• Rash
• Diarrhea
• Swollen lymph glands
• Constant fatigue
• Weakness
• Rapid weight loss
• Skin rashes or bumps.

HIV Western Blot Test price at Redcliffe Labs

The HIV Western blot test price at Redcliffe Labs is INR 3600. Download the Redcliffe Labs app or call us to book your HIV test today! Our professionals are readily available to offer you the best diagnostic services possible. Our labs follow the highest quality standards as per international guidelines. An experienced team of doctors and MD pathologists prepares the test reports. We use fully automated machines with the latest technology and follow a six-sigma process to ensure 100% report correctness, which means the chances of errors are less than 3.4 in 10 lakhs. Moreover, we are trusted by more than 50,000 Doctors across India. Book your test today and get the best discounts and offers!

HIV Western Blot Test Price in Different Cities

Note: We also offer HIV Western Blot Test PAN India. Please call the number 8988988787 to check the availability of our services in your area.

Book Your HIV Western Blot Test Today To Know Your Risk!

The HIV Western Blot test is a confirmatory diagnostic test used to identify antibodies to HIV. After the positive ELISA test result, the doctor may recommend the Western Blot test to confirm the diagnosis.

If you do not know your HIV status, then you must get the HIV Test today. Knowing your HIV status can help you so that you can get timely treatment and better management of the condition. 

However, the HIV Western Blot test is essential for those who may have been exposed to HIV through unprotected sexual contact, shared needles, or other risk factors. It's also recommended for pregnant women and people experiencing HIV-related symptoms.

Choose Redcliffe Labs to get the best discount and diagnostic test offers. With fully automated machines and advanced technology, our professionals ensure 100% correct reports with on-time results. Book your HIV Western Blot test with Redcliffe Labs today for a trusted, hassle-free experience. Early detection can save lives, and Redcliffe Labs is always there to support your journey toward better health.