HIV Genotyping and Drug Resistance Test

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What is the HIV Genotyping and Drug Resistance Test?

The HIV genotyping and drug resistance test is an NGS-based molecular assay that detects mutations in the reverse transcriptase, protease, and integrase genes of the HIV genome. These mutations can lead to resistance against antiretroviral therapy (ART), compromising treatment efficacy. By identifying minority resistance variants (MRVs) and major drug resistance mutations, this test enables clinicians to personalise ART regimens, prevent treatment failure, and improve long-term viral suppression in HIV-infected patients.

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How Does HIV Genotyping Differ from Other HIV Tests?

Feature	HIV Genotyping and Drug Resistance Test	Standard HIV Tests
Purpose	Identifies mutations that cause drug resistance.	Detects HIV infection.
How It Helps	Helps doctors choose the most effective treatment.	Confirms HIV diagnosis.
When It’s Used	After diagnosis, when treatment stops working, or before starting therapy.	To check if a person has HIV.

Clinical Applications of HIV Genotyping Test

Helps in selecting the most effective first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) for newly diagnosed patients.
Identifies drug-resistant HIV strains in patients with increasing viral load despite ART adherence.
Prevents mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) by optimising ART for pregnant women with resistant HIV strains.
Assists in determining whether a treatment switch is necessary to ensure continued viral suppression.
Detects drug-resistant HIV strains in individuals exposed to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) or post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).

Specifications

Test Code : MGM1904.
Methodology: Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS).
Sensitivity & Specificity: High accuracy in detecting resistance mutations.
Turnaround Time: 10 working days.
Sample Type: Whole Blood (EDTA) and plasma. Samples should be positive by quantitative PCR (viral load 1000 copies/ml).
Container: EDTA Tube.
Volume Requirement: 3ml.
Transportation Temperature: 2-8°C.
Storage Conditions: Samples should be transported within 24 hours of collection or freeze the sample at -20°C/-80°C if not transported within 24 hours.

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Antiretroviral Drugs Tested in HIV Genotyping and Drug Resistance Test

Nucleoside/Nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs)

Abacavir
Emtricitabine
Lamivudine
Stavudine
Tenofovir
Zidovudine

Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NNRTIs)

Efavirenz
Doravirine
Etravirine
Nevirapine
Rilpivirine

Protease Inhibitors (PIs)

Atazanavir/r
Darunavir/r
Fosamprenavir/r
Indinavir/r
Lopinavir/r
Nelfinavir
Saquinavir/r
Tipranavir/r

Integrase Inhibitors (INSTIs)

Bictegravir
Dolutegravir
Elvitegravir
Raltegravir

Key Highlights of MedGenome's HIV Genotyping and Drug Resistance Test

Precision Testing

Detects minority resistance variants (MRVs) and major resistance mutations using next-generation sequencing (NGS).

Fast and Reliable Testing

Provides highly accurate results in 5-7 working days, allowing rapid treatment modifications.

Genetic Counselling Support

Expert pre- and post-test genetic counselling is available to help clinicians and patients understand respiratory PCR panel test results and next steps.

Vast Clinical Data Contributions

Built a clinical database of over 1 million patients, supporting breakthroughs in disease understanding.

Global Presence & Influence

Coverage across 40 countries, advancing genetic research and personalised healthcare worldwide.

What is HIV Genotyping and Drug Resistance Test?

The HIV genotyping and drug resistance test is a special test that helps doctors determine if HIV has developed resistance to antiretroviral (ARV) medications. Over time, the virus can change (mutate), making some medications less effective. This test examines the genetic makeup of the virus to find these changes, helping doctors adjust your treatment plan to ensure that the medications you take are still working effectively.

Book a Test Now

How Does HIV Genotyping and Drug Resistance Test Differ from Other HIV Tests?

Feature	HIV Genotyping and Drug Resistance Test.	Standard HIV Tests.
Purpose	Identifies mutations that cause drug resistance.	Detects HIV infection.
How It Helps	Helps doctors choose the most effective treatment.	Confirms HIV diagnosis.
When It’s Used	After diagnosis, when treatment stops working, or before starting therapy.	To check if a person has HIV.

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How Does HIV Genotyping and Drug Resistance Test Work?

This test works by analysing the genetic structure of HIV in a person’s blood.

Uses next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology – A highly advanced method that detects even small changes (mutations) in the virus.
Examines key HIV genes – It checks mutations in reverse transcriptase, protease, and integrase genes, which are responsible for drug resistance.
Helps customise treatment – If drug resistance is found, doctors can change medications to prevent treatment failure.

How is HIV Drug Resistance Test Done?

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Who Should Consider HIV Genotyping and Drug Resistance Testing?

This test is recommended for:

Individuals whose HIV treatment is failing – If viral levels are increasing despite taking medications.
People exposed to HIV through risky encounters – To check if they were infected with a drug-resistant strain.
Doctors adjusting treatment plans – To select medications that will work best based on the virus’s resistance pattern.

What Do HIV Drug Resistance Test Results Mean?

What Are the Most Common Mutations Detected in HIV Genotyping Tests?

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How Often Should HIV Genotyping Be Performed to Monitor Drug Resistance?

HIV genotyping is typically done:

If treatment is not working – When viral load increases despite taking medication correctly.
During pregnancy – To ensure the best treatment for preventing mother-to-child transmission.
In case of high-risk exposure – If infected with a potentially drug-resistant strain.

When Should You Get an HIV Drug Resistance Test?

Why Choose MedGenome for HIV Genotyping and Drug Resistance Testing?

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