Question 1

What is HIV Progression?

Accepted Answer

HIV progression is the rate at which HIV infection advances to AIDS and develops life-threatening complications. It is influenced by genetic factors, particularly Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) variants that regulate immune response to the virus. The HLA-A, B, C, DRB1 and DQ High Resolution test is the most important genetic test for assessing HIV progression risk.

Question 2

What causes HIV progression?

Accepted Answer

HIV progression is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus gradually destroying CD4+ T cells, which are critical for immune system function. The virus replicates inside these cells, weakening your body's ability to fight infections and diseases. Genetic factors, particularly your HLA gene variants, significantly influence how quickly the virus damages your immune system, which is why some people progress to AIDS faster than others.

Question 3

What is the best test for HIV progression?

Accepted Answer

The HLA-A, B, C, DRB1 and DQ High Resolution test is the most important genetic test for assessing HIV progression risk because it identifies specific HLA gene variants that control how your immune system responds to HIV infection. Certain HLA-C alleles are scientifically associated with slower progression to AIDS, while other variants may indicate faster disease advancement. This comprehensive genetic analysis provides personalized information about your inherited predisposition to disease progression rates, helping your healthcare team develop targeted monitoring and treatment strategies based on your unique genetic profile.

Question 4

When should I get tested for HIV progression?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you have recently been diagnosed with HIV and want to understand your genetic risk factors for disease progression. Testing is particularly valuable when planning long-term treatment strategies with your healthcare provider, or if you want personalized information about how your immune system genetics may influence disease advancement. Early genetic testing helps establish a baseline understanding of your progression risk, allowing for more informed decisions about monitoring frequency and treatment approaches.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of HIV progression?

Accepted Answer

HIV progression symptoms include persistent fatigue, unexplained weight loss, recurring fevers or night sweats, and chronic swollen lymph nodes. As the disease advances, you might experience frequent infections that your body struggles to fight off, persistent diarrhea lasting more than a week, and unusual skin rashes or lesions. Advanced progression to AIDS brings severe opportunistic infections like pneumonia, neurological symptoms including memory problems or confusion, and significant immune system deterioration reflected in declining CD4 counts.

Question 6

Who is at risk for HIV progression?

Accepted Answer

Everyone with HIV infection is at risk for progression to AIDS, but the rate varies significantly based on genetic factors, treatment adherence, and overall health. People with specific HLA gene variants may experience faster or slower progression regardless of other factors. Those who delay starting antiretroviral therapy, have inconsistent medication adherence, or have additional health conditions like hepatitis C face accelerated progression. Other risk factors include older age at infection, high initial viral load, substance abuse, poor nutrition, and chronic stress.

Question 7

What happens if HIV progression is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated HIV progression leads to AIDS, where your immune system becomes so severely damaged that it cannot fight off opportunistic infections and certain cancers. Your CD4 count drops below 200 cells per cubic millimeter, leaving you vulnerable to life-threatening conditions like tuberculosis, cryptococcal meningitis, toxoplasmosis, and Kaposi sarcoma. Without treatment, most people with HIV progress to AIDS within 10 years, though this timeline varies based on genetic factors. Modern antiretroviral therapy can prevent progression entirely, which is why early intervention is critical.

Question 8

Can HIV progression be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

HIV progression is monitored through blood tests that measure CD4 cell counts and viral load, which track how the disease is affecting your immune system over time. Genetic blood tests like HLA typing can identify inherited factors that influence your progression rate, providing valuable predictive information about disease advancement risk. While these tests do not diagnose progression itself, they work together to give your healthcare provider a comprehensive picture of disease activity and help guide personalized treatment decisions based on your unique genetic and immunological profile.

Question 9

How is HIV progression treated?

Accepted Answer

HIV progression is treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART), a combination of medications that suppress viral replication and allow your immune system to recover. Modern ART regimens typically involve taking one to three pills daily, which can reduce viral load to undetectable levels and prevent progression to AIDS. Treatment is personalized based on your viral load, CD4 count, genetic factors, and any drug resistance patterns. Consistent adherence to ART is essential for preventing disease progression, maintaining immune function, and preventing transmission to others.

Question 10

How can I prevent HIV progression?

Accepted Answer

Preventing HIV progression requires starting antiretroviral therapy as soon as possible after diagnosis and maintaining excellent medication adherence by taking your pills exactly as prescribed every day. Regular medical monitoring with CD4 count and viral load tests helps catch any progression early, while maintaining a healthy lifestyle through balanced nutrition, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management supports immune function. Avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol, preventing other infections through vaccinations, and addressing co-existing health conditions all help slow disease progression significantly.

Question 11

What can I do at home for HIV progression?

Accepted Answer

At home, focus on taking your antiretroviral medications exactly as prescribed, which is the single most important factor in preventing progression. Maintain a nutrient-rich diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to support immune health, and stay well-hydrated throughout the day. Prioritize quality sleep of 7-9 hours nightly, practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation or yoga, and engage in regular moderate exercise to boost overall health. Keep a symptom diary to track any changes, avoid people with contagious illnesses when possible, and maintain open communication with your healthcare team about any concerns.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

HIV Progression Blood Test

What is HIV Progression?

What causes HIV progression?

What is the best test for HIV progression?

When should I get tested for HIV progression?

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