HIV 1 & 2 Antibody
- S6050
Rs 350
- Why Get Tested?
To determine if you are infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) - When To Get Tested?
At least once, when you are 13 to 64 years old; when you think you may have been exposed to the virus; before becoming pregnant or when pregnant; once a year if you are at increased risk of being exposed to the virus - Sample Type:SERUM (SST or Plain)
- Fasting :NO
- Report Delivery:Same day (if Collected before 12 Noon)
- Components:1 Observations
Tests Detail
| Observations Included |
| HIV 1 & 2 (Antibody) |
| The Test marked with (*) are in our NABL Scope. |
Sample Report
- Also Known As:
HIV Screening Tests AIDS Test AIDS Screen HIV Serology p24 Antigen - Formal Name:
HIV-1 and HIV-2 Antibody and Antigen Evaluation - Sample Instructions:
A blood sample collected from a vein in your arm or from a fingerstick; there are also HIV antibody tests available that can be performed on oral fluid. - Test Preparation Needed?
None - What Is Being Tested?
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the cause of AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). HIV screening tests detect the HIV antigen (p24) and/or HIV antibodies produced in response to an HIV infection in the blood. Some tests detect HIV antibody in oral fluid. When a person becomes infected with HIV, through exposure to the blood or body fluids of an infected individual or a contaminated needle, for example, the virus begins to replicate itself, producing a large number of copies. During the first few weeks of infection, the amount of virus (viral load) and the p24 antigen level in the blood can be quite high. About 2-8 weeks after exposure to the virus, the immune system responds by producing antibodies directed against the virus that can be detected in the blood. As the initial infection resolves and the level of HIV antibody increases, both virus and p24 antigen levels decrease in the blood. An HIV infection may initially cause no symptoms or cause flu-like symptoms that resolve after a week or two. The only way to determine whether a person has been infected is through HIV testing. If HIV is not detected early and treated, it may become a simmering infection that may cause few symptoms for a decade or more. If the infection is still not treated, eventually symptoms of AIDS emerge and begin to progressively worsen. Over time and without treatment, HIV destroys the immune system and leaves a person's body vulnerable to debilitating infections. (You can read more about this in the article on HIV Infection and AIDS.) Detecting and diagnosing HIV early in the course of infection is important because: It allows for early treatment that slows progression to AIDS. An individual can learn of their status and modify behavior so as to prevent the spread of disease. A pregnant woman can undergo treatment that would help prevent passing the disease to her child. There are two types of HIV, 1 and 2. HIV-1 is the most common type found in the United Sta - How Is It Used?
HIV antibody and HIV antigen (p24) testing is used to screen for and diagnose HIV infections. Early detection and treatment of HIV infection and immune system monitoring can greatly improve long-term health and survival. Also, if a person knows his or her HIV status, it may help change behaviors that can put him or her and others at risk. Screening Different types of tests may be used for HIV screening: Combination HIV antibody and HIV antigen test—this is the recommended screening test for HIV. It is available only as a blood test. It detects the HIV antigen called p24 plus antibodies to HIV-1 and HIV-2. (HIV-1 is the most common type found in the United States, while HIV-2 has a higher prevalence in parts of Africa.) The level of p24 antigen and the amount of virus (viral load) increase significantly soon after initial infection. Testing for p24 allows for detection of early infections, before HIV antibody is produced. A few weeks after exposure, antibodies to HIV are produced in response to the infection and remain detectable in the blood thereafter, making the antibody test useful for detecting infections weeks after exposure. By detecting both antibody and antigen, the combination test increases the likelihood that an infection is detected soon after exposure. These tests can detect HIV infections in most people by 2-6 weeks after exposure. HIV antibody testing—all HIV antibody tests used in the U.S. detect HIV-1 and some tests have been developed that can also detect HIV-2. These tests are available as blood tests or tests of oral fluid. HIV antibody tests can detect infections in most people 3-12 weeks after exposure. p24 antigen testing—this is used alone without the antibody test only in rare cases when there is a question about interference with an HIV antibody test. There are a few different ways a person can get access to HIV screening: A blood or oral sample can be collected in a health practitioner's office or a local clinic and se - When Is It Ordered
Several organizations recommend routine screening for HIV: The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), American College of Physicians (ACP), and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommend that anyone between the ages of 13 and 64 (or 15 to 65 in the case of the USPSTF) and pregnant women be screened for HIV at least once. The CDC and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommend that all pregnant women be screened. Repeat testing in the third trimester may be done for women at high risk. A woman who wants to make sure she is not infected with HIV before getting pregnant may opt to get tested (see Pregnancy: HIV.) The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises that all sexually active youth be screened, and that youths between 16 and 18 years old who live in high risk areas (areas where more than 1 in 1,000 people have HIV) be offered HIV testing at least once, regardless of sexual history. For additional details on screening recommendations, see the articles for Teens, Young Adults, Adults, and Adults 50 and Up. Annual screening is advised for those at high risk for HIV and is recommended when an individual: Has had unprotected sex with more than one partner since the last HIV test Is a man who has had sex with another man (CDC suggests that gay or bisexual men may benefit from more frequent screening, such as every 3 to 6 months) Has used street drugs by injection, especially when sharing needles and/or other equipment Has exchanged sex for drugs or money Has an HIV-positive sex partner Has had sex with anyone who falls into one of the categories listed above or is uncertain about their sexual partner's risk behaviors Certain individuals should get at least a one-time test, even if they are not between the ages of 13 and 64, and learn their status. These include: People diagnosed with hepatitis B or hepatitis C, tuberculosis (TB) or a sexually transmitted disease (STD) People who - What Does The Test Result Mean?
A negative test for HIV antigen and/or HIV antibody usually indicates that a person does not have an HIV infection. A negative screening test means only that there is no evidence of disease at the time of the test, however. It is important for those who are at increased risk of HIV infection to have screening tests performed on a yearly basis to check for possible exposure to the virus. HIV tests that detect only HIV antibody will not detect an HIV infection soon after exposure, during the window period before the development of antibodies. Most people produce detectable levels of antibody 3 to 12 weeks after exposure. If someone is screened with an HIV antibody test too soon, the result may be negative despite the fact that the person is infected (false negative). If an HIV antibody test is negative but suspicion of exposure remains high, then repeat testing using the HIV antigen/antibody blood test may be required. If someone tests positive on both the initial screen and supplemental testing, then that person is considered to be infected with HIV. The CDC recommends use of a new testing protocol to screen for and diagnose HIV infection. The following lists the steps and meaning of test results: Screen for HIV infection using a combination HIV antigen/antibody test, then Verify a positive with a second HIV antibody test that differentiates between HIV-1 and HIV-2. If results of the first and second test do not agree, then the next test to perform is an HIV-1 RNA test (nucleic acid amplification test, NAAT). If the HIV-1 RNA is positive, then the test is considered positive. HIV Testing algorithm New HIV Screening Algorithm. Courtesy of James Faix, MD Two tests once commonly used to test for HIV, HIV-1 Western blot and HIV-1 immunofluorescence assay, are not included in this new protocol and should not be used since these tests detect antibody later in the infection (ar - Is There Anything Else I Should Known?
HIV infection cannot be cured, but early diagnosis allows for treatment with antiretroviral therapy (ART) that can help to suppress levels of virus in the body (viral load) and greatly improve long-term health. People typically take at least three drugs from two different classes in order to prevent or minimize virus replication and the emergence of drug-resistant strains. Combinations of three or more antiretroviral drugs are referred to as highly active antiretroviral therapy or HAART. There is currently no vaccine to protect against HIV, but avoiding high-risk activities such as having unprotected sex and sharing needles for injecting drugs can help to prevent its spread. Early diagnosis of HIV infection is important to prevent its transmission to others and to allow evaluation, monitoring, and early treatment of the affected person. While there is no vaccine, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization recommend that individuals without HIV infection but at high risk for it consider taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a daily pill to help prevent infection. For people taking PrEP consistently, the risk of HIV infection was up to 92% lower compared to those who didn't take it. Treatment of HIV-infected mothers during pregnancy, precautions at birth, and avoiding breast-feeding can minimize the risk of passing the infection from mother to child. Giving the antiretroviral drug zidovudine intravenously during labor and delivery and also to the newborn twice a day by mouth for 6 weeks reduces the rate of transmission from 25-33% to about 1-2%. A combination of antiretroviral therapies is most effective at reducing the risk of HIV transmission to the baby. Healthcare workers can protect themselves from HIV infection by following universal precautions, such as wearing gloves and avoiding needle sticks. What are the symptoms of HIV infection? Symptoms of the initial HIV infection can mimic those of influenza and other
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