Sexually transmitted disease test EXPERT – female

Advantages of our EXPERT testing package

• Total of 12 laboratory parameters
• This variant includes detection of HIV, genital herpes, hepatitis B, C, syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia
• Results delivered discreetly
• Results delivered within 10 business days
• Liver tests included

What´s measured

The EXPERT testing package contains 12 laboratory parameters. Unlike the PLUS test package, it extends the diagnostics to detect genital herpes, gonorrhoea and chlamydia infection.

Different versions of individual test packages for STDs or STIs incorporate screenings for syphilis, chlamydia, and HIV. Choose a laboratory testing variant according to the range of parameters that may be of interest to you.

As part of the test, we investigate the following diseases:

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)

HIV is the virus responsible for causing AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV is primarily transmitted through blood, sexual activities, unprotected sex, and from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

There are 2 types of the virus:

• HIV-1,
• HIV-2.

In approximately 70% of cases, the initial symptoms of HIV infection resemble flu-like symptoms, including fever, swollen lymph nodes, chills, night sweats, muscle aches, sore throat, fatigue, and mouth sores. However, only around 20% of individuals experiencing these symptoms feel unwell enough to seek medical attention. The manifestations described are called acute retroviral syndrome. In common viral infections, these symptoms may be overlooked. They last 3 to 14 days and then spontaneously disappear. This period may be followed by an asymptomatic phase of varying length, which may last up to several years. During this period, antibodies to HIV antigens become detectable. During this period, the virus almost disappears from the blood and migrates to the peripheral lymphoid organs and tissues.

Syphilis (RRR, Anti-Treponema pallidum)

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted, chronic and worldwide spread disease. If left untreated, it can seriously damage virtually all organs over time. However, it predominantly impacts the skin, bones, heart, spinal cord, and brain. In later stages, it can lead to various organ disabilities and mental disorders. The untreated form typically carries a poor prognosis.

The initial symptoms may manifest approximately 21 days after exposure, with the incubation period ranging from 10 to 90 days, indicating considerable variability and potential for a prolonged duration. If the patient is left untreated, a so-called latent form of the disease may appear, which can last for 3 to 30 years without symptoms. However, it can be identified through the presence of antibodies in the blood.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia, specifically Chlamydia trachomatis, has become one of the common pathogens responsible for sexually transmitted diseases. Chlamydia are intracellular parasites. Aside from causing sexually transmitted diseases, they can also lead to respiratory or conjunctival (eye) infections. The prolonged course of the disease, coupled with substantial restrictions on the intimate lives of partners, significantly impacts the quality of life of those affected.

The typical incubation period for Chlamydia trachomatis infection ranges from 7 to 14 days, making collection for serological antibody determination appropriate approximately 14 days after infection. Direct evidence of chlamydia can be obtained promptly following infection.

Hepatitis B and C

Hepatitis B and hepatitis C are viral infections that affect the liver.
Hepatitis B (HBV) is attributed to the hepatitis B virus, which can result in either acute or chronic liver disease. An acute infection might manifest as flu-like symptoms and could resolve spontaneously. However, some people may develop more serious liver disease. If HBV infection lasts longer than 6 months, it becomes chronic.
Hepatitis C (HCV) is induced by the hepatitis C virus. This infection can also progress through both acute and chronic phases. If it develops into a chronic infection, it can lead to liver damage such as cirrhosis or cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma).

HSV (herpes simplex virus)

Human herpesviruses, which belong to the family Herpesviridae, are highly contagious pathogens that persist in the human body for life once infection occurs. They are very often asymptomatic, which allows them to spread unknowingly throughout the population and reactivate, particularly when immunity is compromised. Based on clinical manifestations and mode of transmission, we distinguish between two types of herpes simplex virus:

• HSV-1 (herpes simplex-1), which is extremely widespread (prevalence in adults is 70–90%). It spreads primarily through infected saliva and causes cold sores on the lips (herpes labialis), as well as around the mouth and nose. However, it can also cause genital herpes through oral sex.
• HSV-2 (herpes simplex-2) is a sexually transmitted infection and the primary cause of genital herpes. It causes painful blisters, sores, and scabs on the genitals, cervix, or around the anus.

Liver parameters

Liver ALT and GGT parameters are incorporated into the STD test packages.

ALT parameter

Elevated ALT activity indicates cell damage, particularly in the liver. As a laboratory marker, it is utilized in diagnosing liver failure, assessing liver functional reserve, and in procedures such as liver transplantation or resection.

GGT parameter

GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase) is an enzyme bound to cellular membranes and found mainly in the liver. It is highly sensitive to changes in hepatic function and to bile duct injury, which may occur, for example, as a result of taking medications or consuming alcohol.

Gonorrhea

It is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Gonorrhea is a very common infectious disease. However, many infections are asymptomatic. Untreated gonorrhea can cause serious and permanent health problems in both women and men. Gonorrhea can be cured with proper treatment.
In this laboratory package, we test a vaginal swab, which provides information about the presence of an infection in the reproductive system. In untreated gonorrhea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection), symptoms subside and patients become asymptomatic carriers. The infection may also be localized outside the reproductive system, particularly in the throat or rectum. A negative result from a vaginal swab test does not rule out the presence of infection elsewhere in the body.

If gonorrhea is suspected, depending on sexual practices, a rectal swab and/or a throat swab should also be taken. In this case, it is necessary to visit a specialized clinic and request these swabs, as self-collection by patients is not possible.