Different Types of STD Testing and Accuracy of A STD Test

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are life-threatening infections that occur in people due to unprotected sexual activities, and sometimes through nonsexual contacts. 

Most STDs do not cause any symptom. This makes it difficult to diagnose the patient at an early stage leading to fatal outcomes. So self-awareness is the only means for early STD diagnosis.

Different Types of STD Tests:

There are various types of STD tests which may be used by the doctors to diagnose STDs. There are several individual tests for diagnosing different types of STDs. However, Rapid STD Tests have been formulated to save people’s time, effort and stress while diagnosing STD. Few tests are performed in the doctor’s clinic while some can be carried out in the comfort and privacy of your home. A short description of Rapid STD Test is given below:

Rapid STD Test:

Unlike other tests, Rapid STD Tests saves time. It allows you to get the result in a short time. If you are STD positive, you have an opportunity to get immediate medical treatment. This test is highly beneficial for early diagnosis of diseases like HIV, as it may lower the risk of illness and enhance the lifespan of the patient. 

Besides other tests which require needles and blood, Rapid STD Test may require either the swab of body fluid or a urine sample.

The accuracy of Rapid Tests:  

All Rapid STD Tests are not created equally. Some show higher sensitivity and specificity than others. Now, what do sensitivity and specificity stands for? The ability of a test to correctly identify and diagnose those with the disease (a true positive rate) is known as sensitivity, whereas the specificity is the capability to precisely detect those without the disease (a true negative rate).

While testing for acute infection, the average sensitivity and specificity offered by rapid STD test are summarised as follows:

•    Gonorrhea: This test gives 86% sensitivity and 97% specificity.

•    Syphilis: It provides with a sensitivity of 85% and a specificity of 91%.

•    Chlamydia: It is 86% sensitive and 97% specific.

•    Hepatitis B: The result of this test is 97% sensitive and 99% specific.

•    Herpes simplex: It gives 93% sensitivity and 99.9% specificity.

•    HIV (in-office, finger prick): The test provides with a sensitivity of 99% and a specificity of 99.9%.

•    HIV (at-home, oral swab): The sensitivity of this test is 92%, and the specificity is 99%.  

Besides Rapid STD tests, some of the individual tests are listed below:

1.    Chlamydia: 

A special type of urine test named as the Chlamydia Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAA) is used to detect Chlamydia. This test is highly recommended by the CDC due to its capability to be very accurate. This process doesn’t involve swabbing. 

2.    Gonorrhea: 

Mostly, urine samples are examined to identify Gonorrhea. However, if you had oral or anal sex, swabs can be collected as samples from throat or rectum. In some cases, swabs may be obtained from a man’s urethra or woman’s cervix.  

3.    Hepatitis C: 

It needs a simple blood test to check whether you have got this STD. This test requires no fasting and no preparation needs to be taken at the time of the test.

4.    Hepatitis B:

The blood test is all that is required to test and identify Hepatitis B. Fast is not mandatory for this test.

5.    Herpes:

Herpes is a viral Sexually Transmitted Infection. Depending on the type of viruses attacking a person, Herpes can be classified into two types. The difference between the two types of Herpes lies in the type of infection.

To identify Herpes 1 (caused by Herpes Simplex Virus or HSV1) as well as Herpes 2 (caused by Herpes Simplex Virus or HSV2), a particular type of blood test needs to be done. The blood samples are examined for traces of antibodies for the virus.

6.    HIV:

To test HIV Antibody a simple blood test is needed. It will not cause any painful swabbing or needless undressing in this test. 

HIV is not curable, but it can be treated as well. There exists a class of drugs (anti-retroviral medications) which help tremendously by extending the quality of life of the victims and slowing the growth of HIV’s in the body.

7.    Syphilis:

Syphilis Rapid Plasma Reagin Test (RPR) is a simple blood test which looks for the antibodies that fight the infection. At times, you may result in a false positive reading if you were treated for syphilis before. In such a case, another test will be followed by the previous one to confirm the results.  

There are many authorized private clinics for STD Testing Syracuse New York or other states. RapidSTDTesting, also have the network of local clinics center in the USA- provides secure, confidentially report of the STD screening test.

Common Symptoms of HIV in Women

The early signs and symptoms of HIV can be easily mistaken to be something else since they are not that prominent. However, ignoring these symptoms can turn out to be a major problem. It is for this reason that one should keep a check on the health. Most of the people are often embarrassed by the fact of getting affected by HIV, since it is believed sexual contact leads to HIV. Nonetheless, there are other prominent reasons by which one can get affected by HIV such as getting injected by an infected needle. Although sexual contact happens to be the most common reason, there may be other reasons too. Compared to the men, women are more prone to the risk of HIV. If you are sexually active and have had multiple sex partners, you should consider the treatment.

The symptoms of HIV in women are usually different from those of men. The common symptoms of HIV infection in women include the following

Flu-like Symptoms

In the early weeks, not many may show their prominent symptoms. Some people do not have outbreak of these symptoms for a long time. Some of the prominent symptoms include fever, lack of energy, pain in the body, headache and more. These are the initial symptoms which may break out in the initial stage itself. However, if you wait for the severe symptoms to appear, it may take more than 10 years.

Skin Rashes and Sores

Generally people suffering from HIV develop rashes over the time. These are considered to be one of the common symptoms related to HIV. It indicates the presence of an infection in the body. If you notice any rash on your skin, you should prefer seeing a healthcare provider who can analyse your medical history. They will be able to tell you whether you need a complete diagnosis or not. These sores or lesions usually appear in the mouths, anus and genitals. However, if these are less serious, it can be easily treated with medications.

Swollen Glands

Lymph nodes are present in all the essential parts of the body. Since it is one effective part of the immune system, the lymph nodes will be attacked by the infections. These pathogens will tend to harm the immune system of the body. When HIV begins to spread around the body, they usually grow out to be the enlarged lymph nodes. These enlarged lymph nodes are further referred to as swollen glands. The swollen glands are the most effective signs that can last for months if you’re infected by HIV.

Fever and Night Sweats

People affected by HIV usually suffer from low grade fever with the temperature ranging between 99.8ºF and 100.8ºF. Although the body will develop this fever, the reason won’t be clear. Most of the people are unaware of them being affected by HIV. Therefore, in cases like this they ignore such mild fevers if they suffer from any. Most of the times, people may also suffer from night sweats which is yet another major symptom.

Menstrual changes

Women affected by HIV usually suffer changes in their menstruation routine. Either they may have very light or heavy period or they may experience no symptom at all. However, the premenstrual symptoms in such women is pretty severe.

Frequent outbreaks of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

People who have been affected by sexually transmitted infections, prior to being infected by HIV can have worsened conditions. Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the reason for genital warts is pretty active in people tested HIV positive. Any women who have been tested HIV positive will suffer frequent outbreaks of HPV symptoms and even genital herpes. Moreover, the body will fail to respond to the STI treatments too.

HIV is transmitted from one person to another through the bodily fluids. As mentioned above, it may happen due to sexual contact or through excessive drug abuse through needle sharing. As precautions, the people should prefer not sharing needles. Women having HIV positive partners may not develop the disease if the partner is under proper medications.

Hepatitis B: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Hepatitis B is another effective liver disease caused by virus of Hepatitis B. However, with proper treatment Hepatitis B can be cured on its own. Nonetheless, it the disease isn't treated properly on time, it can be dangerous and often lead to liver cancer and cirrhosis. Hepatitis B is one of the serious problems around the world. Lakhs and thousands of people die every year due to Hepatitis B. Even if Hepatitis B is a illness for a short period of time, most of the people affected by it cause serious damages. Hepatitis B can be prevented by immunization.

What is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is the infection and inflammation of liver. People who are infected by this virus often tend to pass it to other. Most of the people are unaware of their seriousness. Several people detect no symptoms, while some experience infection only in the initial stage. However, if it is not treated in time it can lead to a chronic infection. This virus keeps on attacking the liver from time to time. In certain cases, the damage can tend to be irreversible. Most of the people who are affected by Hepatitis B, tend to die due to liver failure.

What are the symptoms of Hepatitis B?

Most of the people suffer from the infection right from their children. However, these are not diagnosed in all cases. Although you may notice it rarely. Some of the most common symptoms of Hepatitis B include

●     Muscle and joint pain

●     Dark coloured urine

●     Fatigue

●     Fever

●     Sudden loss of appetite

●     Yellow of eyes (sclera) and skin (jaundice)

●     Weakness

●     Discomfort in the abdomen

Even if you notice the minor symptoms, you will need to get it diagnosed. The symptoms for Hepatitis B will become major for the elderly people mostly over the age of 60. Even if you have been exposed to the symptoms, you should consult your doctor. Nonetheless, you can take certain measures to prevent the infection.

How is it diagnosed?

Most of the doctors conduct blood tests to determine Hepatitis B. People who are at the risk of developing Hepatitis B include

●     HIV positive people

●     Kidney dialysis patient

●     Come in touch with any Hepatitis B patient

●     Pregnant

●     Prone to IV drugs

●     Been criminals in jail

For the screening of Hepatitis B, blood tests are carried out. The wide range of blood tests include

Hepatitis B surface antigen test

The presence of Hepatitis B surface antigen would indicate that you're are affected. The positive results mean that you are capable of spreading it however the absence means you will not. Nonetheless, the test won't indicate any difference between serious and mild disease.

Hepatitis B core antigen test

The presence of the core antigen would determine if you had been affected currently or not. The positive results means it may either be serious or mild. However, it can determine that you are recovering from the disease.

Hepatitis B antibody test

This test determines the immunity of HBV. The possible result shows that you are safe against the disease.

Liver function test

This is very essential for Hepatitis B patients. The presence of excess enzyme means you are affected. It also helps you determine which part is not functioning properly.

How is Hepatitis B treated?

Hepatitis B can be treated by the following ways

Hepatitis B vaccine and immune globulin

If you notice any symptoms regarding the exposure of Hepatitis B, you should consult your doctor. A vaccination will help you prevent the infection from growing. You may as well get vaccinated once again or an injection for HBV immune globulin.

Other Treatment options for Hepatitis B

Normal or initial hepatitis B hardly requires any treatment. Most people tend to get over this on their own. All you will need to do is by hydrated.

You can take antiviral medication to cure serious hepatitis B. This will enable you to fight against the virus. Nonetheless, this will prove to be effective for avoiding further risk. In case of liver damage, you will have to liver transplant.

Benefits of Confidential HIV test

As per general health reports, millions of people each year are affected by HIV. Not all people open up about their sexual health. Although physical contact is considered to be one of the main reasons for HIV, it isn't the only cause. HIV is also caused due to usage of syringe in blood tests, blood transfusion and so on. Most of the times it happens that a number of people aren't aware of the them being affected by HIV. It is necessary to detect HIV at its early stage since it will help to prevent further transmission of HIV. Diagnosing the disease at an early age can help in starting the treatment at an early period.

What is a HIV test?

One of the most common ways that can help to determine HIV in any human is blood test. The HIV test helps to find the following

Antibodies- These are produced by body when the body tries to fight against HIV.

Antigens- The protein contains of the HIV cell.

Antigens as well as antibodies

Mostly after the outbreak of the infection, antigens are found in huge quantity in the bloodstream. Nonetheless, these usually disappear after a few days. However, antibodies usually take time to appear in the blood stream. It can take about 6 to 12 weeks. After the outbreak of these antibodies, these can be found in the bloodstream.

Once you go to get the test, the negative result indicates that there is no growing sign of any infection. A positive result would determine that you are affected by the infection. There are chances that your results may not be accurate in the first go itself. If you get a positive result in the first time, it is better to get yourself checked the second time. This will help you determine the accuracy of the test.

Benefits of HIV testing

HIV testing is more important than that of the prevention. Most of the people are unaware of them being affected by HIV. This, thus increases the risk of transmitting HIV to others compared to the ones who are aware of themselves being affected by HIV. The 20% of the people who are unaware of their HIV status, tend to transfer HIV to about 50-70%. This is the reason why HIV testing is compulsory. Several studies have found that people are aware of their HIV status are less likely to indulge into any high-risk factor.

After beginning with the HIV treatment, the vital level dropped to an extreme level. When the viral load becomes undetectable, the risk of transmitting HIV lowers too, it almost becomes close to zero too. There are several factors that may help in lowering the risk of developing HIV within the community. The infection rates may also be dropped among the community on HIV positive people if it is treated effectively. Reduced community viral load means that less infection would be transferred from people to people.

Benefits of confidential HIV testing

In many parts around the world, HIV is considered to be a taboo and a shame. Also, sexually transmitted infections and diseases are a major matter of shame among people. It is for this reason that not a lot of people want to discuss their sexual health with doctors or medical professionals. Especially when it comes to HIV, it becomes even more matter of shame. As a result, many of the people remain unaware. These people refrain from getting tested in medical clinics.

As a result, the matter of confidential testing had been developed. The matter of confidential HIV testing helps to save against the risk of embarrassment to a lot of people. For the purpose of confidential HIV testing, several personalized kits too have been developed. Also, there are several clinics around the world which help you to undergo the confidential testing procedures.

Getting tested in proper time can help to save you against several risk factors. It will not only save you but your partner as well.