What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're currently living with HIV-1 and need to know whether your virus has developed resistance to certain antiretroviral medications. It helps if you're about to start treatment for the first time or if your current medication doesn't seem to be controlling your virus as well as it should. The results guide which drugs are likely to work best for your specific situation.

What's included in this test?

This test looks at specific sections of the HIV-1 virus's genetic code, the protease and reverse transcriptase genes, to check for mutations linked to drug resistance. Understanding these mutations matters because it shows which antiretroviral medications are more or less likely to work effectively against your specific virus strain. This information helps tailor treatment so it has the best chance of keeping the virus suppressed.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will be available in your account, with an explanation of what each finding means and which mutations, if any, were detected. Based on the results, next steps might include discussing a change in antiretroviral medication, continuing your current regimen if no resistance is found, or retesting if your viral load changes in the future. You can download the standard lab report directly from your account at any time. If you test again down the road, you'll be able to track any changes over time using the trends feature.

How can I naturally support my immune system during HIV treatment?

While no natural remedy replaces antiretroviral therapy, supporting your body can help you feel your best. Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean protein helps maintain energy and immune strength. Regular moderate exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management techniques like meditation can also support overall wellbeing. Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol are especially important since they can further stress the immune system.

When will I get my results?

Results for this test are typically ready within about 7 days after your sample is collected. Because genetic analysis of the virus takes time, this test has a longer turnaround than many standard blood tests. You'll receive a notification once your results are ready to view in your account.

Who should consider this test?

This test is a good fit for anyone newly diagnosed with HIV-1 before starting treatment, since it helps identify the most effective medication options from the start. It's also recommended for people already on antiretroviral therapy whose viral load isn't dropping as expected, which can be a sign of drug resistance. Retesting may be considered anytime a treatment change is being considered.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

You typically won't have obvious day-to-day symptoms that signal a need for this test — instead it's guided by lab markers like a rising or persistently detectable viral load while on treatment. Feeling like your current medication isn't working, or your viral load numbers moving in the wrong direction, are the main signals. This test is also routinely used right after an HIV-1 diagnosis, before any symptoms of treatment failure appear.

What is HIV drug resistance and why does it matter?

HIV drug resistance happens when the virus changes, or mutates, in ways that make certain medications less effective at stopping it from multiplying. This matters because taking a medication the virus is resistant to won't control the infection well, allowing the virus to keep replicating and potentially causing more mutations. Identifying resistance early helps make sure your treatment plan actually works against your specific virus.

What should I do if my results show drug resistance?

If your results show resistance-associated mutations, this simply means certain medications may not work as well for you, and a different combination of drugs may be more effective. Keep taking your current medication as prescribed unless you're advised otherwise, since stopping suddenly can allow the virus to rebound. Use your detailed report to have an informed conversation about adjusting your treatment plan.

How often should I retest?

Retesting is generally recommended whenever your viral load isn't responding the way it should to your current treatment, or before switching to a new medication regimen. It's not typically a routine test done on a fixed schedule like every few months. Your viral load and overall treatment monitoring will usually guide the timing of when a repeat genotype test makes sense.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

HIV-1 Genotype Test - Antiretroviral Resistance Check

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

[email protected]