Q: My brother recently got tested for HIV at one of your testing facilities. He chose to get the HIV PCR panel test performed. I’m thinking about being tested as well. Please tell me about this test and why I should choose it over traditional testing.

W. Yodella

Salina, KS

A: People choose different forms of HIV testing for different reasons. Typically the HIV DNA PCR panel test is used by people who may have had a recent exposure to HIV, or they may have an immune deficiency that would prevent them from normally producing antibodies to the virus. It utilizes award-winning technology to get accurate results. If you are considering being tested for HIV, it has several benefits over traditional testing:

Early detection – if you feel that you were recently exposed to HIV, this is the test of choice. This test specializes in detecting the virus early – before three months after exposure. Traditional testing often doesn’t provide definitive results until three months after exposure.
Technology – this type of testing uses the latest technology to ensure accurate results. It can be more expensive than traditional testing, but the high quality procedure is well worth the money.

However, if you are just doing a checkup for HIV and have not had any recent contacts you are concerned about, an HIV antibody test can provide reliable results as well. Ultimately, the test you choose depends on your reasons for testing. Please call our office if you have questions or would like more information on the various forms of testing.