HIV Duo P24 Antigen Antibody to HIV1/2 Serum

• Test Name: HIV Duo P24 Antigen and Antibody to HIV-1/2 Serum Test
• Test Type: Combination HIV test (4th generation)
• Specimen Required: Blood sample (serum)
• Methodology: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA)
• Purpose: Detects both the p24 antigen (a viral protein present during early HIV infection) and antibodies to HIV-1 and HIV-2, offering early and accurate diagnosis of HIV infection.

• Early Detection: Identifies HIV infection earlier than antibody-only tests by detecting the p24 antigen, which appears in the blood shortly after HIV infection.
• Routine Screening: Used in routine HIV screening for individuals at risk or those who may have been exposed to HIV.
• Confirmatory Testing: Helps confirm an HIV diagnosis when initial antibody-only tests yield indeterminate or positive results.
• Prenatal Screening: Used in prenatal care to screen pregnant women for HIV, which is crucial for preventing mother-to-child transmission.

• Components:
  • Collection of a blood sample from the patient.
  • Separation of serum from the blood sample.
  • Dual testing for the presence of the p24 antigen and antibodies to HIV-1 and HIV-2.
  • Calibration with controls to ensure accuracy.
  • Results are provided as either positive, negative, or indeterminate
     
• Procedure:
  • The patient's blood is drawn and the serum is separated.
  • The serum undergoes immunoassay testing to detect the p24 antigen and HIV-1/2 antibodies.
  • Results are interpreted based on the presence of either or both markers.

• Negative Result: No p24 antigen or antibodies to HIV-1/2 are detected, indicating no evidence of HIV infection at the time of testing.
• Positive Result: Detection of the p24 antigen and/or antibodies to HIV-1/2 suggests an HIV infection. Further confirmatory testing may be required.
• Indeterminate Result: Results that do not clearly indicate a positive or negative status may require repeat testing or follow-up with a confirmatory HIV test.
• Clinical Correlation: Results should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical symptoms, patient history, and risk factors.

• Qualitative: The test provides a qualitative result indicating the presence or absence of HIV p24 antigen and/or antibodies.
• Interpretation: A positive result requires follow-up testing, such as an HIV-1/2 differentiation assay or nucleic acid test (NAT), to confirm the diagnosis.
• Report: The report includes the test result (positive, negative, or indeterminate) along with interpretive comments and recommendations for follow-up if needed.
• Turnaround Time: Typically within 1-2 days after the sample is collected.

Q. What is the HIV Duo P24 Antigen Antibody to HIV1/2 Serum Test?
This test is a 4th-generation HIV test that detects both the p24 antigen and antibodies to HIV-1/2, allowing for earlier detection of HIV infection compared to antibody-only tests
 

Q. Why is the HIV Duo P24 Antigen Antibody to HIV1/2 Serum Test important?
It’s important because it can detect HIV infection earlier by identifying the p24 antigen, which appears in the blood before antibodies are produced, improving early diagnosis and treatment outcomes
 

Q. How soon after exposure can the HIV Duo P24 Antigen Antibody to HIV1/2 Serum Test detect HIV?
This test can typically detect HIV infection as early as 2-3 weeks after exposure, which is earlier than antibody-only tests that may take longer
 

Q. What should I do if the HIV Duo P24 Antigen Antibody to HIV1/2 Serum Test is positive?
If you receive a positive result, it’s important to follow up with a confirmatory test, such as an HIV-1/2 differentiation assay or nucleic acid test (NAT), to confirm the diagnosis
 

Q. Can the HIV Duo P24 Antigen Antibody to HIV1/2 Serum Test give a false positive?
While the test is highly accurate, false positives can occur, especially in low-risk populations. Confirmatory testing is always recommended after a positive result
 

Q. Is the HIV Duo P24 Antigen Antibody to HIV1/2 Serum Test different from other HIV tests?
Yes, this 4th-generation test detects both the p24 antigen and antibodies, making it more sensitive in early detection compared to earlier generations that only detected antibodies
 

Q. How long does it take to get the results from the HIV Duo P24 Antigen Antibody to HIV1/2 Serum Test?
Results are usually available within 1-2 days after the blood sample is collected