Sexually transmitted infections (STI)

HIV can only be detected through a lab test: it is the only way to know whether a person has contracted the virus.

Our test is a 4th-generation test: it detects, at the same time, the p24 antigen (a viral protein that appears very early) and antibodies against HIV-1 and HIV-2. Looking for p24 in addition to antibodies makes it possible to identify the infection earlier than tests that only look for antibodies, shortening the so-called window period.

With 4th-generation tests (like the one we use), the detection window is approximately 18 days in most cases. To confirm a negative result, repeating the test at 6 weeks is recommended; 90 days is the conservative window set by the Ministerio de Salud (Argentina's national Ministry of Health) for a definitive rule-out. HIV testing is voluntary and confidential.

Caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, it is detected through a blood test that looks for antibodies.

We offer nontreponemal tests (VDRL or RPR), whose results are reported as titers, and confirmatory treponemal tests (FTA-ABS or TPHA), which are highly sensitive and specific.

It is transmitted through direct contact with infected blood, semen or vaginal discharge, as well as from mother to baby. There is a vaccine, included in the Calendario Nacional de Vacunación (Argentina's national immunization schedule).

Available tests: HBsAg (surface antigen, the initial test), anti-HBc (IgM suggests recent infection; IgG indicates past or chronic infection), anti-HBs (indicates immunity from vaccination or from a resolved infection) and HBV DNA viral load, which measures the amount of virus present in the blood.

It may cause no symptoms for years, which is why getting tested is important, especially when there are known risk factors.

Available tests: anti-HCV, which looks for antibodies produced by the immune system in response to the infection, and HCV RNA, which detects the virus's genetic material and measures the viral load.

The virus has an incubation period of 2 to 12 days, although this can vary.

When there is an active lesion, the most sensitive test is PCR of the lesion: it detects the virus's genetic material in a sample of fluid or tissue from the affected area. We also test for antibodies in the blood (IgG and IgM against HSV-1 and HSV-2) to assess previous exposure.

We perform PCR with genotyping, which makes it possible to identify high-risk genotypes, especially 16 and 18, which are linked to the development of cancer of the cervix, anus, oropharynx and other sites. Genotyping is key for follow-up: knowing which genotype the patient has allows the doctor to decide how often check-ups are needed and to assess whether the infection persists or clears over time.

More than 200 HPV genotypes are known; at least 14 are considered high oncogenic (cancer-causing) risk. Our test identifies each of them individually, providing precise information for clinical management.

These are bacterial infections that we detect by PCR (Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma genitalium, Chlamydia trachomatis) or by culture (Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum). All of them are curable with antibiotic treatment prescribed by a healthcare professional.

These tests require 72 hours of prior preparation, and samples are collected Monday through Friday. We'll give you the details when you book your appointment.

Caused by the mpox virus (Monkeypox virus, MPXV — genus Orthopoxvirus, family Poxviridae), it is transmitted through direct contact with skin lesions or rashes, including kissing, intimate contact and sex.

Diagnosis is by qPCR from a vigorous swab of the lesion or of the surface scabs. No blood draw or prior preparation is needed, and results are available within 48 business hours.