"Clinical Significance Chlamydia/Neisseria gonorrhoeae RNA, TMA, Urogenital - C. trachomatis infections are the leading cause of sexually transmitted diseases in the United States. C. trachomatis is known to cause cervicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), epididymitis and proctitis. It is also the most frequent cause of non-gonococcal urethritis in men. Among women, the consequences of Chlamydial infections are severe if left untreated. Approximately half of Chlamydial infections are asymptomatic. Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonococci) is the causative agent of gonorrhea. In men, this disease generally results in anterior urethritis accompanied by purulent exudate. In women, the disease is most often found in the cervix, but the vagina and uterus may also be infected. Preferred Specimen(s) 1 vaginal swab in Aptima® Transport Tube or 1 endocervical or urethral swab in Aptima® Transport Tube or 2 mL urine in Aptima® Transport Tube or 1 mL liquid cytology (PreservCyt®) Preservative (ThinPrep®) in Aptima® Transfer Tube or 0.5 mL SurePath™ Preservative Fluid in Aptima® Transfer Tube Minimum Volume 1 vaginal swab in Aptima® Transport • 1 endocervical or urethral swab in Aptima® Transport • 2 mL urine in Aptima® Transport • 1 mL PreservCyt® (ThinPrep®) in Aptima® Transfer Tube • 0.5 mL SurePath™ fluid in Aptima® Transfer Tube Collection Instructions Vaginal Swab: Follow instructions in the Aptima® Vaginal Swab Collection or Multitest Collection Kit (orange label). Endocervical or Urethral Swab: Follow instructions in the Aptima® Unisex Swab Specimen Collection Kit (white label). In females, to ensure collection of cells infected with N. gonorrhoeae/C. trachomatis, columnar epithelial cells lining the endocervix should be obtained. Excess mucus should be removed prior to sampling. Urine: Direct patient to provide a first-catch urine (a maximum of 20-30 mL of the initial urine stream) into a urine collection cup free of any preservatives. 2 mL of urine specimen must be transferred into the Aptima® Specimen Transport within 24 hours of collection and before being assayed. Use the tube provided in the urine specimen collection kit. The fluid (urine plus transport media) level in the urine transport tube must fall within the clear pane of the tube label. Labs performing cytology: Aliquot PreservCyt® ThinPrep® solution before performance of liquid based cytology testing. PreservCyt® ThinPrep®: Transfer 1 mL PreservCyt® ThinPrep® solution into Aptima® Specimen Transfer Tube (green label) or Aptima® Vaginal Collection or Multitest Collection Tube (orange label) or Unisex Swab Specimen Collection Kit (white label). SurePath™: SurePath™ fluid must be transferred to Aptima® tube within 4 days of collection. Transfer 0.5 mL SurePath™ solution into Aptima® Specimen Transfer Tube (green label) or Aptima® Vaginal Collection or Multitest Collection Tube (orange label) or Unisex Swab Specimen Collection Kit (white label). Note: Results from the Aptima® Combo 2 Assay should be interpreted in conjunction with other laboratory and clinical data available to the clinician. The Aptima® Combo 2 Assay is not intended for the evaluation of suspected sexual abuse or for other medico-legal indications. For a complete list of assay limitations we recommend that you review the manufacturers package insert, https://www.hologic.com/package-inserts/diagnostic-products/aptima-combo-2-assay-ctng  IMPORTANT: Please review the Specimen Collection instructions SPECIMEN COLLECTION GUIDES FOR APTIMA for this test Transport Container Aptima® Transport Tube Transport Temperature Room temperature Specimen Stability PreservCyt® (ThinPrep®) in Aptima® Transport Tube Room temperature: 14 days Refrigerated: 30 days Frozen: 1 year   Liquid cytology (Preservcyt® Preservative (ThinPrep®) Room temperature: 30 days Refrigerated: 30 days Frozen: 1 year   SurePath™ Preservative Fluid Room temperature: 14 days Refrigerated: 14 days Frozen: Unacceptable   Urine in Aptima® Transport Medium Room temperature: 30 days Refrigerated: 30 days Frozen: 1 year   Swabs in Aptima® Transport Room temperature: 60 days Refrigerated: 60 days Frozen: 1 year Includes Chlamydia trachomatis RNA, TMA, Urogenital Neisseria gonorrhoeae RNA, TMA, Urogenital Patient Preparation Urine: Patient should not have urinated within one hour prior to collection. Female patients should not cleanse the labial area prior to providing the specimen. Methodology Transcription-Mediated Amplification (TMA) Reference Range(s) C. trachomatis RNA, TMA, Urogenital    Not detected N. gonorrhoeae RNA, TMA, Urogenital    Not detected Alternative Name(s) CT/NG Aptima,Hologic,CT/GC Aptima,CT/GC TMA,CT/NG TMA

"Clinical Significance Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 (IgG), Type-Specific Antibodies - Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) is responsible for several clinically significant human viral diseases, with severity ranging from inapparent to fatal. Clinical manifestations include genital tract infections, neonatal herpes, meningoencephalitis, keratoconjunctivitis, and gingivostomatitis. There are two HSV serotypes that are closely related antigenically. HSV Type 2 is more commonly associated with genital tract and neonatal infections, while HSV Type 1 is more commonly associated with infections of non-genital sites. Specific typing is not usually required for diagnosis or treatment. The mean time to seroconversion using the type specific assay is 25 days. The performance of this assay has not been established for use in a pediatric population, for neonatal screening, or for testing of immunocompromised patients. Preferred Specimen(s) 1 mL serum Minimum Volume 0.5 mL Transport Container Transport tube Transport Temperature Room temperature Specimen Stability Room temperature: 7 days Refrigerated: 14 days Frozen: 30 days   Reject Criteria Gross hemolysis • Grossly lipemic • Plasma Methodology Immunoassay (IA) Reference Range(s) Index    Interpretation <0.90    Negative 0.90-1.09    Equivocal >1.09    PositiveThis assay utilizes recombinant type-specific antigens to differentiate HSV-1 from HSV-2 infections. A index positive result cannot distinguish between recent and past infection. If recent HSV infection is suspected but the results are negative or equivocal, the assay should be repeated in 4-6 weeks. The performance index characteristics of the assay have not been established for pediatric populations, immunocompromised patients, or neonatal screening.

HIV-I and HIV-II (ANTIGEN/ANTIBODY, FOURTH GENERATION WITH REFLEX) What are the other names for this test? HIV antibody/antigen tests, HIV p24 antigen test, HIV antibody test, HIV test, HIV screening test What is the HIV Antibody test? An HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) antibody test determines HIV-I and HIV-II antibodies in your blood. When you experience HIV infection, antibodies develop in your body. HIV is a virus that attacks cells in the immune system of your body. Your immune system consists of cells, organs, proteins, and tissues. These cells help to prevent infections, bacteria, and viruses. An HIV infection can weaken your immune system, which results in AIDS (late stage). Your body will lose the ability to fight infections and other diseases if the cells of your immune system decrease. If you diagnose HIV earlier, your provider may recommend specific medicines to decrease the risk for AIDS. Medical treatment also helps to reduce the chance of spreading HIV to other people. The HIV antibody test is the most accurate test to identify the disease of HIV infection. What are the two forms of HIV? HIV-II - It is often available throughout the world. HIV-II - It is usually in the western part of Africa. It also spreads to the U.S. What is the purpose of this test? An HIV antibody/antigen test often conducts to see antibodies and antigens in your blood. This fourth-generation HIV antibody test helps to detect an HIV p24 antigen that activates your immune system to fight this infection. When you have an HIV infection, these antigens appear in your blood more than antibodies. Your immune system develops antibodies, which are proteins to protect your body against bacteria and other diseases. The HIV test helps to detect if you have a chance to infect with HIV. When do I need an HIV antibody test? You may also need to take this test if you already had unprotected sex with a person. This test helps to diagnose if the HIV test results are positive. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests the HIV antibody test at least once for every person aged 13 to 64. Your provider may ask for additional tests if you are at risk of severe infection.                                   Your provider also recommends the HIV test if you have experienced these conditions.   Unprotected sex - If you had performed unprotected sex with different partners, unprotected sex with any partner, men performed sex with men, or with outsiders.   Sex with an HIV-infected person - When you do vaginal or anal sex with a person having an HIV infection.   Sharing needles to take drugs - HIV infections spread with needle sharing in your body.   Pregnant - The testing is necessary for pregnant women during each pregnancy. Your provider asks to order this test even if the results of previous pregnancies were negative. HIV may pass to your baby during pregnancy and birth.   Diagnosed with sexually transmitted infection (STI) - The condition of STIs such as syphilis usually has the probability of high HIV infection. Syphilis is a bacterial infection that occurs due to sexual activity.   Working in the healthcare center - If you are a healthcare provider and come in contact with a contaminated needle or instrument, you may need to take this test during the exposure and after the upcoming 4 to 6 months. If you have the above conditions, you may need to take HIV test after every year. You can contact an online doctor to discuss the number of tests you need to conduct. Your healthcare provider recommends an HIV antibody test if you have symptoms of HIV-I and HIV-II, include   Pain in the muscles and joints Headache Unexpected Weight loss Pain in the mouth due to inflammation Diarrhea Cough Rash Extreme tiredness Fever Sore throat Night sweats Swelling in lymph glands, a type of small bean-shaped organs that filters elements in your body. It is in your neck, chest, abdomen, underarms, and groin (where the thigh meets your stomach).  What is the procedure for HIV antibody test? Your provider will determine what sample you may need to provide for this test. These samples may include blood from a vein or finger or saliva. The HIV test can perform in several ways:   Lab tests - Your provider collects a blood sample from your vein when you go to a lab. You may experience a little pain at the point in your vein from where the blood collects. A chance of bleeding or bruising may also occur, but generally, these signs do not last long. You will get your test report within a few days after you give the blood sample to your provider. For a saliva sample - your provider will rub an absorbent pad on your gums.   Rapid tests - Your provider will take blood from your finger, saliva, or urine. The test results appear within 30 minutes.   Home tests - It contains rapid self-test kits to collect a sample of saliva by yourself. You need to take a drop of blood from your finger for testing purposes. How do I need to prepare for an HIV test? Your provider will inform you about any specific instructions for the test until you do not need to prepare for the test. You can also talk with your provider if you are using medicines, vitamins, and supplements. Your provider may also ask you to avoid the intake of alcohol for at least 24 hours. A provider may inform you about your risk for HIV infection.   What are the risks of this test?   An HIV antibody test is a blood test that does not have a high risk. You may experience a little pain at the point in your vein from where the blood collects. A chance of bleeding or bruising may also occur, but generally, these signs do not last long. What additional tests may I need to conduct along with this test? Your healthcare provider may suggest tests for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). What factors may affect the HIV antibody test? If you tested earlier after the infection with HIV, you might get a false-negative and inaccurate result. What do HIV test results mean?   The test results for an HIV antibody test depend on age, gender, medical history, and other factors. Your lab test results may differ among laboratories. Each lab may use different measurement methods. A negative test result indicates that no antibodies are available in your body or you don’t have HIV. It is not a necessary signal that you don’t have HIV. You may experience an HIV infection because the test timing was not suitable, and you may need additional tests to judge conditions. Your healthcare provider will read your test results and inform you about more tests. If you experience negative test results on a rapid test or an at-home test and expose to HIV in: More than or equal to 90 days - You have no chance of an HIV infection Less than 90 days - You may need to repeat another test for HIV Positive test results indicate you have an HIV infection or antibodies are available in your blood. You may conduct more repeated tests to detect HIV disease. If you want to diagnose HIV infection in your body, you can place an online order. With this test, you can understand your medical conditions. For more laboratory lab tests, you can click here.  

NON-TREPONEMAL SYPHILIS RPR (MONITOR) WITH REFLEX TITER Is any other name available for this test? RPR test, Syphilis test What is a rapid plasma reagin test? A rapid plasma reagin (RPR) test helps to screen syphilis, which is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). The RPR test is a blood test that determines antibodies in response to syphilis. This test determine antibodies that are not specific to the Treponema pallidum bacteria. Antibodies are proteins produced by your immune system. These antibodies develop when your body senses any outside harmful substance entering your body, like syphilis. Antibodies help to fight against bacteria, infection, and other diseases. What is syphilis? Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It transfers to your body when you come in contact with an individual having sores during unprotected sex. The syphilis bacterium is known as treponema pallidum. Syphilis also enters your body by:   Mucous membranes (The watery and inner lining of some organs and cavities of your body, including nose, lungs, stomach, and mouth) Cuts on the skin Abrasions - An open wound develops due to skin rubbing against a rough surface. What is the purpose of this test? The RPR test helps your doctor identify the diagnosis of infection and conduct your treatment. If syphilis is left untreated in your blood, it can lead to severe health problems. The syphilis test decreases the chances of complications. It does not detect the bacteria that occur due to syphilis. This test determines the number of antibodies against harmful substances develops by bacteria. The syphilis test may also stop the spreading of the disease from an infected person. When to conduct this test? Your provider may recommend the RPR test if you experience symptoms of syphilis after the involvement of sex with a person having syphilis. Symptoms of syphilis include   Fever Headaches Muscle aches Fatigue Build up small and painless sores (chancres) at the position where syphilis develops in your body. Rashes on the skin. It also occurs on the palms of your hands or the bottom of your feet. Tiredness Weight loss Increasing size in the lymph glands (A gland that filters the substances that flow through lymphatic fluid and possess lymphocytes). The final stages of syphilis have severe symptoms. These include loss of feeling, blindness, paralysis (A condition in which difficulty or losing ability in the movements of body parts), loss of memory, and death. If you may have a chance for syphilis in your blood, it is better to avoid sex with any person till you perform the RPR test and other additional tests. You can know whether syphilis is in your blood by giving an online order for this test. What is the method for this test? Your healthcare provider will need a blood sample for the RPR test. A needle injects into a vein in your arm to collect a blood sample in a specimen or test tube. Your provider covers your vein with a bandage and stores your blood sample for detailed examination. After the test, people return to their homes for regular activities. The syphilis test needs at least 5 minutes. How do I need to prepare for this test? Your healthcare provider will provide you with specific instructions for this test. You may ask to keep fast for at least 7-8 hours before the test. You can inform your provider about medicines, supplements, and vitamins you usually take. What do the RPR test results indicate? Negative results - The negative test results may show that syphilis does not occur in your blood. It also means that you successfully treated or recovered from syphilis if you have had experience with it. The RPR test may provide inaccurate or false-negative results that depend on the stage of syphilis. Positive results - The positive test results generally indicate that syphilis is available in your blood. Your provider may order additional tests to confirm a positive diagnosis. You can eliminate the risk of going into the late stage of syphilis by discussing your test results online with a doctor. What are the risks in the test? A rapid plasma reagin is a blood test that does not have a high risk. Some people may experience these conditions, which are as under:   Low bleeding at the puncture or injection site of your vein. Bruising Soreness Infection Dizziness or lightheaded feeling Deposition of blood under the skin (hematoma) After a short time, these symptoms disappear from your body. What are the factors that may affect the test results? The test results may indicate inaccurate or false-positive due to various reasons. Your body’s immune system takes at least 2-3 weeks to respond to the infection. Abnormal false-negative results may occur due to the following conditions:   Early or late stages of syphilis If the test performs 14 days earlier after the infection. If the test performs 21 days later after the syphilis infection. Intake of alcohol within 24 hours of the RPR Test. Abnormal false-positive results may result due to the following conditions:   Chronic liver disease Past vaccinations Pregnancy Tuberculosis (A bacterial infection that spreads through the inhaling of cough or sneezes of an infected person) Inflammation or burning of the heart valves or lining Use of IV (Intravenous) drugs Rickettsial infections (multiple groups of bacteria) What additional tests may I need to conduct along with the RPR test? Your healthcare provider may need other tests to diagnose syphilis in your blood. Your provider may recommend these blood tests, including   Enzyme immunoassay (EIA) - This test often combines with an RPR or VLDL test. Treponema pallidum particle agglutination assay (TPPA) - This test determines antibodies and combines with a screening test. Fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (FTA-ABS) - This test helps to determine antibodies after 1 to 3 weeks of infection. Microhemagglutination assay (MHA-TP) - It often conducts when another syphilis test shows positive results. Dark Field microscopy - This test uses a microscope to observe syphilis germs in your sample of fluid or tissue. Your provider uses this test in the early stages. For information about lab tests and medical imaging, you can visit here.