What is the purpose of this test?
Order this Fighter or MMA Blood Test Panel, developed for athletes and competitors involved in combative sports such as mixed martial arts (MMA), Boxing, and Kickboxing.
Test requirements may vary by state, so please verify this panel covers your state requirements.
The MMA Fighter's Blood Test Panel includes:
HIV 1 and 2 Preliminary Blood Test (4th generation) - recommended standard rapid test for routine HIV Screening. It typically sees quick results in 1-2 business days and is one of the most affordable HIV tests. The HIV Antigen/Antibodies test, also known as a 4th Generation HIV Test, looks for antibodies to the HIV and the p24 Antigen, which is specific to HIV. Antibodies to HIV typically begin to develop several weeks after exposure. These antibodies will be detectable in most people by 12 weeks from exposure. However, some people may detect antibodies as early as four weeks from exposure. The p24 Antigen is a viral protein comprising most HIV viral core (capsid). P24 Antigen levels are typically highest a few weeks after exposure and drop to undetectable levels when antibodies begin to develop. The combination of screening for both antibodies and antigen allow this test to detect a significantly higher number of early infections than previous generations of HIV screening.
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Blood Test - provides the earliest indicator of acute infection. Also indicative of chronic infection. The test is helpful in the differential diagnosis of hepatitis. Patients who are negative for HBsAg may still have acute type B viral hepatitis. Sometimes, a "core window" stage occurs when HBsAg has become negative, and the patient has not yet developed the antibody (anti-HBs). On such occasions, both tests for anti-HBc are usually positive, and anti-HBc, IgM is the only specific marker for diagnosing acute infection with hepatitis B. In cases with strong clinical suspicion of viral hepatitis, serologic testing should not be limited to detecting HBsAg. Still, it should include several tests to evaluate different stages of acute and convalescent hepatitis.
Hepatitis C Antibody Blood Test - assesses exposure to Hepatitis C virus infection. This test is used for detecting antibodies to the Hepatitis C virus. Since a person with a past infection will have a lifelong antibody response, confirmed positive antibody tests mean that the person had been exposed to the virus at one time or another. Therefore, these tests are highly effective in ruling out HCV. The most up-to-date EIA can detect antibodies as early as six-eight weeks. Though a negative test can be extremely useful now, it is best to wait about three months to avoid needing a follow-up test.
When should I order a Fighter or MMA Blood Test Panel?
Often professional or semi-professional fighting leagues require their competitors to undergo blood clearance. This panel can prove that a competitor is free of bloodborne viruses to compete. Common signs or symptoms of bloodborne viruses, such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C, include:
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Swollen blood vessels in the skin or
- Yellowed skin and eyes
- Dark urine
- Clay-colored bowel movements
- Joint pain
Individuals are advised to contact their healthcare provider for further questions regarding test results.
Shop additional STD tests.
