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HIV Combo (Antigen And Antibody) Test

Also known as HIV Antigen and Antibody, Screening , HIV-DUO (4th Gen)
409530 22% Off
You need to provide
Blood
This test is for
Male, Female
Test Preparation
  1. A duly filled Consent form for HIV testing & Pre-test counselling (Annexure - CR/01) is mandatory.

Understanding HIV Combo (Antigen And Antibody) Test


What is HIV Combo (Antigen And Antibody) Test?

An HIV Combo (Antigen And Antibody) Test is an advanced (fourth-generation) screening test, also called HIV Ag/Ab Combo assay, used for simultaneous qualitative detection of HIV p24 antigen and antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and/or type 2 (HIV-1/HIV-2) in blood. The test helps in the early diagnosis if an HIV infection is suspected. This test does not distinguish between the detection of HIV p24 antigen, HIV-1 antibody, or HIV-2 antibody reactivity.

HIV is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. HIV is transmitted through sexual contact with HIV-infected individuals, sharing of infected needles or syringes, or from an infected mother to an unborn baby. If left untreated, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).

During the first few weeks after an individual gets exposed to the virus, the p24 antigen (HIV core protein) becomes detectable in their blood. After 2-8 weeks, the body starts producing antibodies against this antigen. An HIV Combo (Antigen And Antibody) Test is very accurate for early detection of whether or not an individual has been infected with HIV. The p24 antigen is the first marker of the presence of HIV in the body. Since the p24 antigen is usually detectable a few days before HIV antibodies, this test helps reduce the window period for HIV detection. The window period is the time immediately after infection, during which tests cannot always detect antibodies or p24 antigen, and so may give a false-negative (detecting absence of infection even when infection might be present) result.

An HIV Combo (Antigen And Antibody) Test is advised for people who are at an increased risk of HIV infection such as those who have an HIV-positive sex partner, have multiple sexual partners, are homosexual, and who share needles frequently. The test may also be performed when there are symptoms like fever, chills, nausea, rash, night sweats, muscle aches, oral thrush, sore throat, fatigue, unintentional weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, and mouth ulcers. It should be noted that a person may not show any symptoms if the infection is recent (or acute). Also, annual screening is advised for those who are identified to be at high risk for HIV infection.

You may talk to your doctor about all the pre-test instructions. Fasting is not required before getting an HIV Combo (Antigen And Antibody) Test; which means you can eat or drink normally as per your daily routine. However, a duly filled consent form for HIV testing & Pre-test counseling (Annexure - CR/01) is mandatory at the time of sample collection. This form can be provided by the laboratory personnel (phlebotomist) before sample withdrawal. It entails important information related to your personal details, medical history, and pre-test (before the test) counseling details. As per NACO guidelines, all reactive samples are tested by three different methods before the release of the report. All reactive results must be confirmed with a Western Blot Test.

Lab test results may vary across laboratories. The HIV Combo (Antigen And Antibody) Test utilizes an automated chemiluminescence immunoassay technology for the combined qualitative determination of p24 antigen and specific antibodies to HIV (1&2). The technology (CMIA/ CLIA) can vary based on different machines available in different locations. These are Fourth-generation HIV tests, designed to detect both HIV antibodies and the p24 antigen (Ag) in a single assay run.

Lab test results require expert interpretation. Do not self-medicate at home solely based on these results and always consult your doctor for proper understanding of the test results.

What is HIV Combo (Antigen And Antibody) Test used for?

An HIV Combo (Antigen And Antibody) Test is done: 

  • To screen for HIV infection. 
  • To know your HIV status if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant. 
  • If you are diagnosed with Hepatitis B, C, Tuberculosis, or any other sexually transmitted disease (STD), or tuberculosis.
  • To help confirm the presence of HIV in donated blood or plasma.

What does HIV Combo (Antigen And Antibody) Test measure?

An HIV Combo (Antigen And Antibody) Test simultaneously detects HIV p24 antigen and antibodies associated with HIV 1 & 2. The HIV p24 antigen is the most abundant HIV protein and its detection is used clinically to diagnose an HIV infection early on since HIV-specific antibodies are not detectable in a very recently acquired infection. HIV-1 was discovered first and is the most widespread, whereas HIV-2 is more than 55% genetically different from HIV-1. The transmission rate of HIV-2 is also slower than HIV-1. 

Interpreting HIV Combo (Antigen And Antibody) Test results


Interpretations

 

  • A negative HIV antibody test usually indicates that a person does not have HIV infection. However, it only means that there is no evidence of disease at the time of the test.
  • If someone tests positive on both the initial screening and supplemental testing, it is considered as a definite case of infection with HIV.



Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about HIV Combo (Antigen And Antibody) Test


Frequently Asked Questions about HIV Combo (Antigen And Antibody) Test

Q. Why is an HIV Combo (Antigen And Antibody) Test performed?

An HIV Combo (Antigen And Antibody) Test is performed to diagnose individuals suspected of acquiring HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection.

Q. What does an HIV Combo (Antigen And Antibody) Test measure?

An HIV Combo (Antigen And Antibody) Test detects antibodies against HIV 1 & 2 and also detects the HIV p24 antigen. This test can detect HIV infection as early as 18 to 45 days after the person has been exposed to the virus.

Q. Is there any risk associated with an HIV Combo (Antigen And Antibody) Test?

There is usually no risk associated with this test. However, some people may feel a slight sting when a needle is pricked and may experience some bleeding that is normal and usually not bothersome. Rarely, some people may also experience slight swelling or bruising at the site of the needle prick. Applying ice 3-4 times a day for about a week may help reduce swelling and bruising. If it does not get better, consult your doctor.

Q. Is an HIV infection curable?

An HIV infection is not curable but if diagnosed early, appropriate treatment can be initiated to manage the disease. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is used to treat HIV infection. This therapy helps in reducing the levels of the virus (viral load) in the body, which in turn will improve overall health.

Q. What are the symptoms of an HIV infection?

Most people infected with HIV do not know that they have become infected. Immediately after the infection, some people have a fever-like illness (with fever, rash, joint pains and enlarged lymph nodes). Despite the fact that HIV infection often does not cause any symptoms, a person newly infected with HIV is infectious and can transmit the virus to another person. The symptoms may go unidentified for years. To avoid such a scenario, the best way is to get screened for HIV infections periodically if you think you might have acquired it or if you have recently come in close contact with an infected individual, possibly involving contact with body fluids or infected blood.

Q. How does HIV become AIDS?

If left untreated, an HIV infection can progress to a serious health complication known as Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, commonly known as AIDS.

Q. Which screening tests are advised by the doctor for patients at risk of HIV?

The screening tests available for HIV include a combination of HIV antibody and HIV antigen tests, HIV antibody testing, and p24 antigen testing.

Q. What is the window period?

The window period represents the period between infection with HIV (or contact with the virus) and the time when HIV antibodies can be detected in the blood. A blood test performed during the window period may yield a negative test result for HIV antibodies. These cases may require further testing after 12 weeks.
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HIV Combo (Antigen And Antibody) Test test price for other cities


Price inBangaloreRs. 409
Price inPuneRs. 409
Price inHyderabadRs. 409
Price inMumbaiRs. 409
Price inKolkataRs. 409
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References

  1. What does an HIV diagnosis mean? [Internet]. CDC; 15 Jul. 2022 [Accessed 04 Jan. 2024]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/livingwithhiv/newly-diagnosed.htmlExternal Link
  2. HIV Testing [Internet]. CDC; 09 Jun. 2022 [Accessed 04 Jan. 2024]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/testing/index.html External Link
  3. HIV Treatment [Internet]. NIH; 11 Aug. 2021 [Accessed 04 Jan. 2024]. Available from: https://hivinfo.nih.gov/understanding-hiv/fact-sheets/just-diagnosed-next-steps-after-testing-positive-hiv External Link
  4. Pebody R. HIV-1 and HIV-2 [Internet]. UK: Nam aidsmap; Jan. 2021 [Accessed 04 Jan. 2024]. Available from: https://www.aidsmap.com/about-hiv/hiv-1-and-hiv-2 External Link
  5. Alcocer-Bruno C, Ferrer-Cascales R, Ruiz-Robledillo N, Sánchez-SanSegundo M, Zaragoza-Martí A. Personal and Lifestyle Determinants of HIV Transmission Risk in Spanish University Students. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Nov 11;17(22):8332. [Accessed 04 Jan. 2024]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7696748/ External Link
  6. Bystryak S, Acharya C. Detection of HIV-1 p24 antigen in patients with varying degrees of viremia using an ELISA with a photochemical signal amplification system. Clin Chim Acta. 2016 May 1;456:128-136. [Accessed 04 Jan. 2024]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4934021/ External Link
  7. Weber B, Berger A, Rabenau H, Doerr HW. Evaluation of a new combined antigen and antibody human immunodeficiency virus screening assay, VIDAS HIV DUO Ultra. J Clin Microbiol. 2002 Apr;40(4):1420-6. [Accessed 04 Jan. 2024]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC140346/ External Link
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