Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood (venipuncture)
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 2–3 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Meet competition requirements – Satisfy athletic commission licensing standards for MMA, boxing, and combat sports
- No doctor visit needed – Order online and walk into any affiliated lab location
- Fast, confidential results – Digital reporting within 2-3 business days
- Peace of mind – Screen for HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C with 99.7%+ accuracy
- Valid for months – Results typically accepted by commissions for 6-12 months
Who Is This Test For?
- Professional and amateur MMA fighters seeking competition clearance
- Boxers, kickboxers, and wrestlers needing athletic commission approval
- Combat sports athletes preparing for sanctioned events
- Anyone requiring proof of negative bloodborne pathogen status
- Health-conscious individuals wanting to screen for transmissible infections
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online without a prescription and schedule your lab visit
- Get tested at any affiliated location with a simple blood draw
- Receive results digitally within 2-3 business days
FAQ
What diseases does this panel test for? HIV (types 1 and 2), Hepatitis B surface antigen, and Hepatitis C antibodies.
Do I need to fast before the test? No fasting required, but avoid high-dose biotin supplements 72 hours before testing.
How long are results valid for competition? Most athletic commissions accept results for 6-12 months, but requirements vary by state.
What if my results are positive? Positive results require medical follow-up and may restrict competition eligibility until cleared.
Can I compete immediately after testing? Wait for official results before competing – most commissions require documented negative results.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The Fighter or MMA Blood Test Panel screens combat sports athletes for bloodborne infectious diseases that could be transmitted during physical competition. This specialized panel meets safety requirements set by athletic commissions nationwide, testing for HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C using FDA-approved methodologies with sensitivity and specificity exceeding 99.7% (FDA product approval reports, 2023).
Who would benefit from this test?
Professional and amateur fighters in MMA, boxing, kickboxing, and wrestling benefit most from this panel when seeking competition clearance. Athletic commission applicants, trainers in close-contact environments, and health-conscious individuals wanting to screen for transmissible infections also find value in this comprehensive bloodborne pathogen screen.
When should I order the Fighter or MMA Blood Test Panel?
Order this panel before participating in any sanctioned combat event, as most commissions require negative results within 6-12 months of competition (Association of Boxing Commissions, 2024). Athletes should also consider testing if experiencing symptoms like unexplained fatigue, abdominal pain, yellowed skin, dark urine, or joint pain that could indicate bloodborne infections.
How do I interpret the results?
Negative/Non-reactive
- What it means: No infection detected
- Typical action: Cleared for competition
Positive/Reactive
- What it means: Infection likely present
- Typical action: Medical follow-up required
Indeterminate
- What it means: Unclear result
- Typical action: Repeat testing needed
Modern 4th generation HIV tests can detect infections as early as 2-4 weeks after exposure, significantly earlier than previous testing methods.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
No fasting is required for this blood panel. Discontinue high-dose biotin supplements at least 72 hours before testing, as biotin can interfere with certain assays. Inform the phlebotomist about any bleeding disorders or blood-thinning medications you're taking.
How often should I get tested?
- Active competitors: Every 6–12 months
- High-risk exposure: 3–6 months after incident
- Commission requirements: As mandated by state
- General screening: Annually or as needed
Why early detection matters
Early detection of bloodborne pathogens protects both athletes and training partners while ensuring competition eligibility. With an estimated 1.2 million Americans living with HIV and 13% unaware of their infection (CDC, 2024), plus 2.4 million affected by Hepatitis C, routine screening becomes crucial for combat sports safety and public health.
Related tests you may consider
Complete Blood Count (CBC) - to identify anemia or bleeding risks before competition.
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) - provides broader insight into organ function and metabolic status essential for rigorous training.
Urinalysis - may be required for additional commission screening, detecting hydration status and renal function.
