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Strictly Confidential • NPHL 'A' Grade Laboratory

Confidential HIV 1 & 2 Testing in Kathmandu

Protecting your peace of mind with 100% anonymous, clinical-grade HIV diagnostic services. We employ WHO-prequalified Abbott Determine™ 4th Gen Early Detect rapid cassettes for immediate results and fully automated MAGLUMI™ CLIA serology for ultra-high sensitivity.

Standard Antibody Check

Basic Rapid (3rd Gen)

Detects HIV-1 & HIV-2 antibodies. Best suited for routine checkups or exposures older than 90 days.

Rs 500
Book Basic Rapid
WHO Prequalified • Early Detect
p24 Antigen + Antibody

Abbott Determine™ 4th Gen

Powered by Abbott Determine™ HIV Early Detect. Detects both viral p24 antigen and antibodies from a single drop of blood. Results in 20 minutes.

Rs 800 Rapid STAT
Book Abbott 4th Gen
Maximum Precision
Automated Array

HIV CLIA (4th Gen)

Machine-analyzed Chemiluminescence Immunoassay on our MAGLUMI™ platform. High sensitivity and zero manual reading error.

Rs 1,500
Book CLIA Test
Turnaround Times (TAT): Rapid testing results are delivered within 20–40 minutes on-site. Automated CLIA reports are released securely on the same day.
Diagnostics Spotlight WHO Prequalification Code: PQDx 0243-013-00

The Clinical Advantage of Abbott Determine™ HIV Early Detect

Apollo Diagnostic Center is proud to employ the Abbott Determine™ HIV Early Detect (4th Generation) kit. Traditional rapid tests (3rd generation) look exclusively for host antibodies, which take several weeks for the immune system to produce. The Abbott 4th Gen system revolutionizes early triage by featuring two individual patient read-out lines:

Free HIV-1 p24 Antigen Detection

p24 is a structural protein forming the viral capsid of HIV. During the acute phase of infection (before seroconversion occurs), p24 antigens replicate rapidly and flood the bloodstream, allowing earlier detection days to weeks ahead of an antibody response.

HIV-1 & HIV-2 Specific Antibodies

Simultaneously screens for human IgG and IgM antibodies targeted against HIV-1 (Group M & O) and HIV-2. This ensures that post-acute or chronic established infections are identified with >99.8% specificity.

Why WHO Prequalification Matters: Tests carrying World Health Organization (WHO) prequalification undergo extensive laboratory and field validations to ensure flawless sensitivity across diverse worldwide viral subtypes, preventing batch inconsistencies and false readings.

Understanding Window Periods

The "window period" is the interval between potential HIV exposure and the point when a laboratory test can reliably identify markers of the virus.

4th Generation (Abbott Rapid / CLIA): Detects p24 antigen as early as 14–18 days. Fully conclusive at 45 days post-exposure.
3rd Generation Rapid (Antibody Only): Reliable after 23–30 days, but requires a full 90 days (12 weeks) for a conclusive negative.
Qualitative RNA PCR: Direct nucleic acid amplification detecting viral copies directly from 7–10 days post-exposure.

Symptoms of Acute HIV Infection

Roughly 60–80% of individuals develop an influenza-like reaction called Acute Retroviral Syndrome (ARS) 2 to 4 weeks after contracting the virus. Common indicators include:

  • Persistent fever, nocturnal chills, and night sweats
  • Swollen lymph glands (cervical, axillary, or inguinal)
  • Sore throat accompanied by painful mouth ulcers
  • Maculopapular red rash across the trunk or chest
  • Unexplained joint aches and persistent muscular fatigue
Clinical Note: Acute symptoms closely mimic common viral illnesses like influenza or dengue. You cannot diagnose HIV based on physical symptoms alone; an antigen/antibody blood test is strictly required.
Confidential Medical Follow-Up

Linkage to Care & Medical Support

An HIV diagnosis is no longer a life-limiting verdict. With modern Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), HIV is a completely manageable chronic condition. Patients on effective ART achieve viral suppression, protecting their immune CD4 counts and preventing progression to AIDS.

Apollo Diagnostic Center partners closely with Derma Clinic (located on the same 4th floor). If confirmatory workups, post-exposure protocols, or specialist sexual health counseling are needed, compassionate medical consultations are immediately accessible under strict privacy protocols.

Book Confidential Visit Call Private Line: 9801358872
Common Inquiries

Frequently Asked Questions About HIV Testing

What is the difference between 3rd Gen and 4th Gen HIV tests?
3rd Generation tests only detect HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies, which can take 3 to 12 weeks to form. 4th Generation tests (like the Abbott Determine kit and automated CLIA) detect both HIV antibodies and the viral p24 protein (antigen). Because the p24 antigen appears shortly after exposure, 4th Generation tests can identify acute infections much earlier.
Why does Apollo Diagnostics use the Abbott Determine™ 4th Gen Combo kit?
The Abbott Determine™ HIV Early Detect is a WHO-prequalified, gold-standard rapid test. It simultaneously identifies both HIV-1/2 antibodies and free HIV-1 p24 antigen from a single drop of blood. It delivers laboratory-grade sensitivity in just 20 minutes, allowing for earlier intervention and peace of mind.
What is the window period for the 4th Gen Abbott test?
The p24 antigen can become detectable as early as 14 to 18 days after exposure. While testing between 2 to 4 weeks can provide an early indication of infection, international clinical guidelines consider a negative 4th generation antigen/antibody test fully conclusive at 45 days post-exposure.
Can PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) or PrEP affect my test results?
Yes. Antiretroviral medications like PEP or PrEP suppress viral replication, which can delay the emergence of p24 antigens and the production of antibodies. If you are completing a course of PEP, testing is recommended immediately before starting, right after completing the 28-day regimen, and again at 45 days post-PEP for final confirmation.
What does a 'Reactive' or 'Positive' result mean?
A 'Reactive' result on an initial rapid screening or CLIA indicates that viral markers were detected. However, a single test is never used as a final clinical diagnosis. In accordance with WHO and National AIDS protocols, a reactive result must always be confirmed through a secondary confirmatory assay, such as a Western Blot or a qualitative HIV-1 RNA PCR test.
What does U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable) mean?
U=U is an evidence-based medical consensus that people living with HIV on daily Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) who achieve and maintain an undetectable viral load in their blood cannot transmit HIV sexually to their partners.
Is HIV testing anonymous and confidential at Apollo Diagnostic Center?
Yes. We maintain a strict zero-disclosure confidentiality policy. Patients may register using an alias or unique identifier code. Blood samples are barcoded directly to automated analyzers, and test reports are delivered as password-protected encrypted PDFs directly to your personal email or WhatsApp.