HIV-Duo Test (HIV1&2 Ab/ P24 Ag Duo Test)
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The HIV-Duo Test (HIV1&2 Ab/P24 Ag Duo Test) is a comprehensive screening tool designed to detect HIV infection at an early stage. It checks for both HIV antibodies and the p24 antigen. Antibodies are produced by your immune system in response to the virus, but they take weeks to develop. The p24 antigen, a protein part of the virus itself, appears earlier in the infection. By looking for both markers, the HIV-Duo Test increases the window for detection compared to antibody-only tests. This early diagnosis is crucial for starting treatment promptly, which can significantly improve a person’s health and prevent transmission to others.
The HIV-Duo test, also known as the HIV 1 and 2 test or the p24 antigen test, is a comprehensive screening tool designed to detect HIV infection at an early stage. It simultaneously checks for both HIV antibodies and the p24 antigen, a protein part of the HIV virus. This dual approach increases the window for detection compared to tests that only look for antibodies, allowing for earlier diagnosis and intervention. If you’re considering this test, it’s important to check the HIV test price, which can vary depending on the clinic or lab you choose.
Price : ₹ 720
This test offers a wider window for detecting HIV infection compared to antibody-only tests. It does this by looking for both HIV antibodies and the p24 antigen. Antibodies take weeks to develop, while the p24 antigen appears earlier in the infection. Early diagnosis is crucial for starting treatment promptly, which can significantly improve a person’s health and lifespan.
HIV-Duo testing increases the accuracy of HIV diagnosis, especially in the recent stages of infection when antibodies haven’t yet developed. This can provide peace of mind or allow for earlier intervention if necessary.
The test can detect not only HIV-1, the most common strain globally but also HIV-2, which is prevalent in certain regions.
This allows for quicker decision-making about further testing or treatment options.
The HIV-Duo Test (HIV1&2 Ab/P24 Ag Duo Test) measures two key markers for HIV infection:
- HIV antibodies (Ab): These are proteins produced by your immune system specifically in response to the HIV virus. However, it takes weeks for your body to develop these antibodies after exposure.
- HIV p24 antigen (Ag): This is a protein that’s part of the HIV virus itself. It appears in the blood earlier in the infection compared to antibodies.
By testing for both antibodies and p24 antigen, the HIV-Duo Test offers a more comprehensive picture of potential HIV infection and increases the window for earlier detection compared to tests that only look for antibodies.
What t
The blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.
An abnormal result, meaning presence of either marker, requires further confirmatory testing due to potential reasons beyond HIV infection.
A negative test could mean that patient has been exposed recently or in not exposed. Test should be repeated after 2 weeks to confirm status in case patient is suspected of exposure to HIV.
One should get tested for HIV if they are at a high risk of exposure. Anyone who is HIV positive will begin to display detectable levels of antibodies after 3 months of infection. So, if they get tested during the first or second month, it is possible that the result may come back negative.
