Description

The STI | Sexually Transmitted Disease Blood Panel is a comprehensive screening designed to detect a range of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that can impact sexual health. Many of these infections do not show symptoms, making regular testing crucial for anyone who is sexually active. Early detection allows for proper treatment, preventing complications, and ensuring the well-being of both you and your partners.

Infections Tested for in this Panel:

Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 (HSV-1 & HSV-2)

  • HSV-1 typically causes oral herpes (cold sores), but it can also cause genital herpes through oral-genital contact.
  • HSV-2 primarily causes genital herpes, characterized by sores or blisters in the genital and anal areas.
  • Symptoms: Many people may not show symptoms but can still spread the virus. If symptoms occur, they can include sores, pain during urination, and flu-like symptoms.
  • Transmission: Herpes is spread through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected area, even when sores are not visible.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)

  • What It Is: HIV weakens the immune system by targeting CD4 cells (T cells), which are essential for fighting infections. If left untreated, HIV can progress to AIDS, severely compromising the immune system.
  • Symptoms: Early HIV symptoms can include flu-like symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. However, many people do not feel sick in the early stages.
  • Transmission: HIV is transmitted through blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk, primarily through unprotected sex, sharing needles, or from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding.

Hepatitis B

  • What It Is: Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver, potentially leading to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, or liver cancer.
  • Symptoms: Symptoms include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, and abdominal pain. Chronic infection may not show symptoms until liver damage occurs.
  • Transmission: Hepatitis B spreads through infected blood, semen, or other body fluids, commonly through unprotected sex, sharing needles, or from mother to baby during birth.

Hepatitis C

  • What It Is: Hepatitis C is a viral infection that also affects the liver, often leading to chronic liver disease. It is a leading cause of cirrhosis and liver cancer.
  • Symptoms: Like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C often has no symptoms until liver damage becomes severe. Chronic infection can cause fatigue, jaundice, abdominal pain, and liver failure.
  • Transmission: Hepatitis C spreads primarily through blood-to-blood contact, commonly through sharing needles or unprotected sex. It can also be transmitted from mother to child during childbirth. Syphilis (RPR Test)
  • What It Is: Syphilis is a bacterial infection that progresses through four stages: primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary.
  • Symptoms: In the primary stage, a painless sore (chancre) appears, usually on the genitals, anus, or mouth. In the secondary stage, a rash and flu-like symptoms may occur. If left untreated, the infection can enter the latent stage, where no symptoms are present, but damage to organs like the heart and brain can occur in the tertiary stage.
  • Transmission: Syphilis is spread through direct contact with syphilitic sores, often during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. It can also be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy (congenital syphilis).

Why It's Important to Get Tested for These Infections:

  • Asymptomatic Nature: Many STDs, including herpes, HIV, and Hepatitis, may not cause visible symptoms, but they can still be spread to others. Regular testing is crucial for early detection, especially for those who are sexually active.
  • Early Detection: Detecting infections like HIV, Hepatitis, and syphilis early enables timely treatment, reducing the risk of severe health issues. For example, early HIV treatment can significantly improve long-term health outcomes and prevent the progression to AIDS.
  • Prevent Long-Term Health Complications: Untreated STDs can lead to severe complications, including infertility, liver disease, organ damage, or complications with pregnancy. Testing ensures that you can manage or treat these conditions before they escalate.

Test Details:

  • Purpose: This panel is designed for anyone who is sexually active or at risk of STDs, offering a comprehensive screening for a range of common infections. By identifying infections early, you can get timely treatment to maintain your sexual and overall health.
  • Peace of Mind: Knowing your sexual health status and addressing potential infections helps protect you and your partners. Early detection and treatment of STDs can reduce the spread of infections and prevent long-term health complications.

Regular testing, especially for sexually active individuals, is a key step in protecting your health and the health of your sexual partners.