HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, has a long history and has been considered one of the deadliest viruses that have no effective cure. The virus in concern attacks the cells that are responsible for fighting infections in the body. Since HIV is not curable, once you get it, you have it for life. However, early detection can help your case and prevent it from getting worse. 

There have been several tests in the past, and the methods have only evolved through time. However, every HIV test does not come with the same accuracy and thus has different advantages. The fourth-generation tests conducted by specialised and certified labs are more accurate than older-generation ones. 

The fourth generation test is the new kind of test that detects HIV at an early stage and thus maximises your chance of preventing its advancement. Let us get into detail and know all about its advantages and HIV test price in Delhi. 

Before we get into HIV test price in Delhi, let us know what it means and how it is better than its predecessors. 

The HIV 4th generation test can be conducted simply by drawing blood from your vein. 

An Introduction to HIV 4th Generation Test 

Also known as ELISA or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test, the fourth generation HIV test involves a complete screening that will help you identify acute HIV. Acute HIV refers to the stage when the infection is strong and likely to transmit. 

In the first weeks right after your exposure to HIV, the body produces p24 which is an enzyme. This protein is present only in people who have an acute infection. It triggers the mechanism in your body, which begins to attack your immune system. 

The test can identify HIV antibodies and p24 alike with a blood sample. There are several products for this kind of testing, and the HIV test price in Delhi depends a lot on the products used for the testing. Some of them are: 

• ADVIA Centaur HIV Ag/Ab Combo Assay 
• VITROS HIV Combo Test 
• Elecsys HIV Combo PT 
• Genscreen ULTRA HIV Ag-Ab 
• ARCHITECT HIV Ag/Ab Combo

You can enquire about the kind of test in the health care facility you go for testing. While enquiring, make sure you also ask about the HIV test price in Delhi and how it is done. 

How does the Test Work? 

This test is different from all others as it does not depend on a single source, and several combination tests are undertaken to make it a more advanced way of detecting the infection. It can detect both the antigen and the antibody related to HIV, thereby culminating in a more accurate result. It also detects the infection at a much earlier stage. 

For the test, you are required to give a sample of blood specifically drawn from the vein. It is done with a needle, but it does not hurt much, almost like any other blood sample. Once the sample is collected, it is submitted to the lab, and experts test the sample to come up with a conclusive result. 

How is 4th Generation HIV Test Better than its Predecessors 

There are several ways in which you can test whether you have HIV or not. It can be done by drawing blood, an oral swab, or a finger stick. 

The older generation tests fail to ascertain acute HIV and only ascertain the antibodies your immune system is producing. These antibodies are only produced after several weeks of exposure. Therefore, if you take the older generations’ test at an early stage, you will get a false negative. You would have to wait for three months after the exposure to be sure if you are positive or not. This puts you at great risk as you will not be able to start treatment at the earliest. Plus, you might also pass the infection in this period as you would not be sure of your status. 

The 4th Generation HIV test allows you to test at the earliest and look through your treatment option quickly. Since this test detects the antigen, it is more advanced and the best. 

When to Test- Symptoms of HIV

The initial symptoms of HIV infection are just like the flu and might not alarm you. But if you are in doubt that you may have contracted the disease, it is best to go for a test at the earliest. Here are some of the common Acute HIV Infection symptoms: 

• Fever
• Chills 
• Muscle aches 
• Fatigue 
• Rash 
• Sore throat 
• Mouth ulcers 
• Swollen lymph nodes  

As you can see, these are pretty common symptoms, and in most cases, you may not have the infection, but in case you think you’ve been exposed to it, get the tests done right away. 

HIV Test Price Delhi 

The HIV test price Delhi depends on the centre you go to for testing. However, to give you a ballpark, it could be anywhere between rs. 2500 to rs. 3500. However, this is not a fixed rate and, just like any other test, may vary from one diagnostic centre to the other. 

HIV 4th generation test is by far the most accurate test and can detect your infection at the earliest. Therefore, if you have an inkling that you might have contracted HIV, it is best to get this test over the older generation tests.