Confidential STD, STI & HIV Testing in Bengaluru
Doctor-led guidance, gold-standard molecular PCR, and 4th Generation HIV ECLIA testing. Discrete doorstep collection by trained phlebotomy specialists or in-clinic testing with guaranteed privacy.
Possible HIV Exposure Within the Last 72 Hours?
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is a short course of antiretroviral drugs that can stop HIV infection after exposure. PEP is most effective when started within 24 hours, and must be initiated within 72 hours. Do not wait for test results before seeking a physician consultation.
Interactive HIV Test Window-Period Calculator
Determine the most accurate testing window, assay sensitivity, and whether emergency Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is required.
QXL standard testing uses 4th Generation ECLIA from venous blood, providing high accuracy from 18 to 45 days.
28 Days Elapsed Since Exposure
Approximately 95%–98% conclusive. CDC guidelines advise final baseline confirmation at Day 45–90.
Optimal window for 4th Generation ECLIA Duo testing. At this stage, free p24 antigen peaks while IgM antibodies are developing. A negative 4th generation lab test at this stage provides very high reassurance.
Medical Disclaimer: This window-period calculator is an educational resource based on clinical testing guidelines from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO, India). It does not replace individualized clinical judgment. If you believe you have been exposed to HIV within the last 72 hours, seek urgent medical evaluation for PEP without delay.
10 Structured Sexual Health & STI Packages
Designed to cover specific exposure timelines, anatomical infection sites, and symptomatic presentations. Each investigation connects to QXL's verified laboratory test master.
HIV-1 & HIV-2 Antigen & Antibody Screening (4th Gen Duo)
High-sensitivity 4th generation ECLIA detecting HIV-1 p24 antigen and HIV-1/2 antibodies simultaneously.
Clinical Indication: Individuals seeking confidential HIV screening following a potential exposure (optimal window 18–45 days), pre-marital evaluation, or routine health checkup.
Strictly confidential. Password-protected digital report delivery.
4th Generation HIV ECLIA/CLIA Confirmatory Screen
Chemiluminescent/electrochemiluminescent microparticle assay for early antigen-antibody resolution.
Clinical Indication: Patients wanting the earliest possible serological detection (18–45 days post-exposure) without waiting for standard 90-day antibody seroconversion.
Strictly confidential. Password-protected digital report delivery.
Syphilis Screening & Confirmation Profile (RPR + TPHA Reflex)
Dual serological approach: Non-treponemal quantitative RPR titer paired with treponemal TPHA confirmation.
Clinical Indication: Individuals with genital lesions, unexplained skin rashes on palms/soles, sexual partners of syphilis patients, or routine antenatal/STI screening.
Strictly confidential. Password-protected digital report delivery.
Chlamydia & Gonorrhea Real-Time PCR (Urine / Swab NAAT)
Gold-standard nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) detecting C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae DNA.
Clinical Indication: Patients with dysuria (painful urination), urethral or vaginal discharge, pelvic discomfort, or asymptomatic screening after unprotected sex.
Strictly confidential. Password-protected digital report delivery.
Triple STI Multiplex PCR Screen (Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Trichomonas)
Simultaneous molecular detection of three common curable bacterial and protozoan sexually transmitted pathogens.
Clinical Indication: Individuals with persistent urethral discharge, vaginitis, pelvic fullness, or couples planning unbarriered intimacy.
Strictly confidential. Password-protected digital report delivery.
Essential Blood-Borne STI Screening Panel
Core serological panel covering major blood-borne and systemic sexually transmitted infections.
Clinical Indication: Patients requesting a dependable baseline blood screening after an exposure or as part of a pre-marital/routine wellness check.
Strictly confidential. Password-protected digital report delivery.
Comprehensive STI Master Diagnostic Panel (Blood + Urine 10-Target)
Our most exhaustive sexual health evaluation combining molecular PCR for localized infections with advanced serology.
Clinical Indication: Individuals with multi-symptom presentations, multiple exposures, or those seeking 360-degree sexual wellness assurance.
Strictly confidential. Password-protected digital report delivery.
Vaginal Infection Diagnostic Profile (Vaginitis & Microecology)
Comprehensive microscopy, culture, and molecular assessment for bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis, and trichomoniasis.
Clinical Indication: Women experiencing persistent, recurrent, or unusual vaginal discharge, odor, itching, or dyspareunia.
Strictly confidential. Password-protected digital report delivery.
Genital Herpes & Lesion Differential PCR (HSV-1, HSV-2, Syphilis)
Direct nucleic acid detection from lesion swabs for definitive identification of active herpes simplex virus.
Clinical Indication: Patients with active, painful blisters or ulcers in the genital, anal, or oral regions.
Strictly confidential. Password-protected digital report delivery.
Anatomical-Site Extragenital STI Screening (Pharyngeal & Rectal NAAT)
Targeted molecular swabs for extragenital gonorrhea and chlamydia infections following oral or anal exposure.
Clinical Indication: Individuals with pharyngitis after oral sex, rectal discharge/tenesmus, or comprehensive screening following multi-site sexual exposures.
Strictly confidential. Password-protected digital report delivery.
Clinician-Directed Testing Pathways
Certain clinical situations require specialized physician evaluation rather than commercial self-order packages. QXL provides dedicated testing algorithms for acute viral exposures and post-exposure prophylaxis.
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) Emergency Care Pathway
For potential HIV exposure occurring within the past 72 hours (condom rupture, sexual assault, needle-stick, or high-risk unbarriered intercourse). PEP is most effective when started within 24 hours and must be initiated within 72 hours.
- 1. Immediate emergency physician evaluation (<72 hours). Do not wait for lab test results to start PEP.
- 2. Rapid baseline HIV 4th generation Ag/Ab test to verify pre-existing negative status.
- 3. Baseline Serum Creatinine, eGFR, and Liver Function Tests (LFT) prior to 28-day antiretroviral course.
- 4. Hepatitis B (HBsAg) and Hepatitis C (Anti-HCV) baseline serology.
- 5. 28-day strict adherence to prescribed three-drug PEP regimen.
- 6. Post-PEP follow-up HIV test at 4–6 weeks and definitive conclusive test at 3 months (90 days).
Acute Retroviral Syndrome & Early Infection Evaluation
For patients presenting with mononucleosis-like acute viral illness (fever, lymphadenopathy, pharyngitis, maculopapular rash) 10 to 28 days following high-risk sexual exposure.
- 1. Clinical evaluation by an infectious disease specialist or general physician.
- 2. Qualitative or Quantitative HIV-1 RNA PCR (Nucleic Acid Test - NAT) to detect viral load during the seronegative eclipse/window phase.
- 3. Concurrent 4th generation p24 Ag/Ab testing to establish serological staging.
- 4. If RNA NAT is positive and antibody is negative, acute primary HIV infection is confirmed; immediate antiretroviral therapy (ART) referral is initiated.
- 5. Full STD/STI co-infection screen (Syphilis, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Hepatitis B/C).
Why Different STIs Require Different Specimen Types
Based on Koneman's Color Atlas and Textbook of Diagnostic Microbiology (7th Edition, Chapter 2) and CDC STI treatment guidelines, no single biological sample can detect every sexually transmitted organism.
Blood Draw (Venous Serum)
Required for blood-borne and systemic infections: HIV-1/2 (p24 antigen and antibodies), Syphilis (RPR/VDRL & TPHA), Hepatitis B (HBsAg), and Hepatitis C (Anti-HCV). Blood serology does not detect localized urethral chlamydia or gonorrhea.
First-Catch Urine (NAAT / PCR)
Required for Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Trichomonas vaginalis urethral infection. Must be first-void urine (first 20–30 mL) after holding urine for 1–2 hours. Urine cannot detect throat or rectal colonization.
Anatomical Swabs (Lesion / Mucosa)
Mandatory for Genital Herpes (HSV-1/2 PCR from active sores), pharyngeal swabs (after oral sex), and rectal swabs (after anal sex). Collected with sterile Dacron/flocked swabs in viral transport medium.
Confidentiality, Test Timing & Clinical Procedures
Q.How confidential is sexual health and HIV testing at QXL Diagnostics?
Your privacy is paramount. All sexual health samples are processed under strict medical confidentiality protocols. You may request numeric barcode identification where your name does not appear on internal lab paperwork. Test reports are delivered securely to your password-protected portal or WhatsApp/email, and are never shared with employers, insurance providers, or third parties without your explicit written authorization.
Q.What is the difference between a 3rd and 4th generation HIV test?
A 3rd generation HIV test detects only host antibodies (IgM and IgG), which typically take 23 to 90 days to reach detectable concentrations. A 4th generation test detects both antibodies AND the viral p24 protein antigen itself. Because p24 antigen is produced directly by the virus before your body finishes producing antibodies, 4th generation assays detect infection reliably between 18 and 45 days after exposure—reducing the anxiety-inducing window period by weeks.
Q.I had unprotected sex less than 72 hours ago. What should I do?
You must urgently consult a doctor for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). PEP consists of anti-HIV medications that can prevent the virus from taking hold in your body if started within 72 hours of exposure (ideally within 24 hours). Do not wait for laboratory test results to see a doctor for PEP. Concurrently, contact QXL Diagnostics for baseline screening (HIV, Hepatitis B/C, Kidney Function, Syphilis) to establish your baseline health status.
Q.Why do I need both VDRL/RPR and TPHA for a syphilis diagnosis?
Syphilis diagnosis requires two different types of tests per CDC and Koneman diagnostic microbiology guidelines. Non-treponemal tests (VDRL/RPR) detect reagin antibodies produced during active tissue damage; they provide a quantitative titer that rises in active disease and falls after successful antibiotic treatment. However, they can produce biological false positives from viral infections or autoimmune conditions. Treponemal tests (TPHA/TPPA) detect specific antibodies to Treponema pallidum, confirming whether syphilis infection has truly occurred.
Q.Can a routine urine test detect all sexually transmitted infections?
No. Routine urine analysis (routine & microscopy) only looks for non-specific white blood cells or red blood cells. A molecular urine test (PCR / NAAT) is required to detect the specific DNA of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Furthermore, urine PCR only tests the urinary tract; it cannot detect syphilis, HIV, or hepatitis (which require blood draws), nor can it detect throat or rectal infections from oral or anal intimacy (which require site-specific mucosal swabs).
Q.How should I collect a first-catch urine sample for an STI PCR test?
Unlike routine urine tests where midstream urine is preferred, STI PCR requires 'first-catch' (initial void) urine. You should not have urinated for at least 1 hour (preferably 2 hours) prior to sample collection. Collect the first 20 to 30 mL of urine that exits your body directly into the sterile container. Do not discard the initial stream, as it washes the urethral epithelial cells containing Chlamydia and Gonorrhea into the cup.
Q.Is home sample collection safe and confidential for STD testing?
Yes. QXL Diagnostics provides discrete doorstep sample collection across Bengaluru through trained phlebotomy specialists. Our phlebotomists arrive in non-descript medical attire with sealed, tamper-evident collection tubes. For urine tests, sterile containers with pre-labeled barcode IDs are provided. Samples are maintained in strict temperature-controlled cold chains until delivery at our central NABL Accredited laboratory.