HIV-1/2 Antigen and Antibodies, Fourth Generation, with Reflexes

Overview:

This test looks for two things at once: antibodies to HIV-1 and HIV-2, which the immune system produces over the weeks after infection, and the p24 antigen, a viral protein that appears sooner. Including the antigen shortens the period after exposure during which an infection might be missed, compared with antibody testing alone. Reactive results are automatically put through further testing to distinguish HIV-1 from HIV-2 and to confirm the finding. A negative result very soon after a possible exposure does not rule out infection, and repeat testing is usually advised.

Categories:

Sexual Health & STI Testing, Immune

Biomarkers:

1 biomarker