Why Baseline Testing is Mandatory
Before starting the heavy antiviral medications required for PEP, a doctor must establish your baseline health. This ensures the drugs won't harm your organs and confirms that you don't already have a pre-existing HIV infection.
The Complete Pre-PEP Checklist
- (1) HIV 4th Generation Ag/Ab Test: This is the most crucial baseline test. If you are already HIV positive from a previous exposure, taking a 28-day PEP course could lead to drug resistance.
- (2) Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg): Some PEP drugs (like TDF) treat both HIV and Hepatitis B. If you have Hep B and stop PEP after 28 days, you could experience a dangerous Hep B flare-up.
- (3) Hepatitis C Antibody: Crucial for overall liver assessment.
- (4) Creatinine / eGFR: TDF (Tenofovir) can be nephrotoxic (hard on the kidneys). Your kidney function must be verified.
- (5) Complete Blood Count (CBC) & Liver Function Tests (LFTs): To monitor any baseline anomalies before the liver processes the antiviral drugs.
- (6) STI Panel: An exposure that puts you at risk for HIV also puts you at risk for Syphilis, Gonorrhea, and Chlamydia.
- (7) Pregnancy Test: For women, to ensure the safest drug regimen is selected for fetal safety.
Getting Tested Quickly in India
Time is of the essence. Dr. Monga often initiates PEP immediately to beat the 72-hour window and coordinates with local NABL-accredited labs for home sample collection the very next morning.
