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NAT Test
Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NAT) is the technology to determine your HIV status after the possible exposure to the infection. New, safe and extremely accurate, with NAT you can now know your status much earlier, shortening the window period between the infection and detectability of disease. Most people who is infected with HIV will be diagnosed by NAT after 7 days of possible exposure.
Did you know that an estimated 1 out of 3 MSM in Bangkok are infected with HIV but discover at a later stage. Taking an HIV Test doesnot not change your HIV status, rather early diagnosis of an HIV infection increases your chances of keeping the body's immune system stronger and stay healthy for a long time with the help of antiretroviral treatment medication that controls the virus from replicating and helps your immune system recuperate. Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) is a method of testing blood that is more sensitive than conventional anti-HIV tests that require the presence of antibodies to trigger a positive test result. NAT works by detecting the low levels of viral genetic material present when an infection occurs but before the body begins producing antibodies in response to HIV.viruses such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Previous conventional testing methods involved the detection of antibodies that the body produces in response to an infection. The main problem with these methods is that the body took a certain amount of time to produce detectable amounts of these antibodies. This period of time, from the time someone is infected, to the time that they have produced enough antibodies for the laboratory to detect, is called the “seroconversion window” or the “window period”. NAT significantly reduces the window period'' or the time between donor HIV exposure to the virus and the appearance of positive test result.antibodies. By decreasing the window period, it allows for earlier detection of the infection and thus further decreases the possibility of transmission via transfusionto others. The advantage of NAT is that it is sensitive and specific! HIV can be detected on average 60 days sooner than previous antibody testing, and HIV can be detected on after only 5 days of exposure, average 2 weeks five-days sooner than previous anti-HIV tests. Unfortunately, there is no test available that can detect viruses immediately after someone has been infected, but NAT has dramatically closed that window. As newer technologies become available, you can be assured that Anonymous clinic will be at the forefront, offering maximum care and support as well as accurate testing to keep you healthy. Information on this site is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. |