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HIV 1 & 2 Antibodies, Western Blot

Also known as HIV 1 and 2, Ab Western Blot
29993600 16% 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 1 & 2 Antibodies, Western Blot


What is HIV 1 & 2 Antibodies, Western Blot?

The HIV 1 & 2 Antibodies, Western Blot test that helps confirm the presence of antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and type 2 (HIV-2) in the blood. It is intended to be used as a specific confirmatory test after the preliminary screening tests, like ELISA, Chemiluminescence assay (CLIA/CMIA) rapid card tests etc., show a positive result. This test is more specific and helps confirm an HIV diagnosis. 

HIV or Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes disease by damaging your immune system and hence interfering with your body's ability to fight infection and disease. It is caused by 2 types of viruses, namely HIV 1 & HIV 2.

HIV is transmitted from one infected person to another through sexual contact, contaminated blood transfusions, shared needles and syringes, and from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding (vertical transmission). If untreated, HIV can progress to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), a potentially fatal condition usually many years after the initial infection. 

Early diagnosis of HIV infection with the HIV 1 & 2 Antibodies, Western Blot test allows for timely intervention, slowing the progression of AIDS and improving the quality of life. Knowing your HIV status helps prevent the spread of the virus to others. Additionally, a confirmed diagnosis through this test guides doctors to make effective, personalized care plans. 

The HIV 1 & 2 Antibodies, Western Blot test is recommended as a confirmatory test to indicate whether you have HIV-1 or HIV-2 or both the viruses in your body. This test is usually not recommended as a screening test for HIV infection in symptomatic or asymptomatic individuals nor should it be used for blood donor specimens. It should be performed if the screening test for HIV (like ELISA, Rapid test or CLIA/ CMIA based) is reported as reactive or indeterminate. A screening test for HIV is usually advised if you have symptoms of an acute or chronic HIV infection, a high risk of exposure to the virus, such as unprotected sex with multiple partners or sharing needles. Even those not in the high risk group might choose to be tested to ensure they don't have HIV, or to monitor treatment effectiveness. 

The HIV 1 & 2 Antibodies, Western Blot test is crucial because it accurately confirms the presence of HIV antibodies after an initial positive screening test, reducing the risk of false-positive results. It also distinguishes between HIV-1 and HIV-2, two types of virus that require different management and treatment approaches as HIV-2 is less easily transmitted (i.e. less infectious), and progresses more slowly than HIV-1, leading to a lower viral load and slower immunosuppression causing longer asymptomatic stage.

The HIV 1 & 2 Antibodies, Western Blot test is only a qualitative antibody detection test; it does not give any information about the viral load in the body. This test cannot be done in children under 18 months because maternal antibodies can be present in the infant’s blood. These maternal antibodies, passed from the mother to the baby during pregnancy, can lead to false-positive results. Instead, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test is used for diagnosing HIV in infants below 18 months, as it detects the viral genetic material directly. 

A duly filled Consent form for HIV testing & Pre-test counseling (Annexure - CR/01) is mandatory at the time of sample collection. 

Lab test results may vary across laboratories. Abnormal test results require an expert interpretation; therefore, never try to self-medicate at home based solely on these results, and always consult a doctor for a proper understanding of the test results. The insights from this test help the doctor tailor an appropriate treatment plan.

What is HIV 1 & 2 Antibodies, Western Blot used for?

The HIV 1 & 2 Antibodies, Western Blot test is done: 

  • To confirm the presence of HIV antibodies after a positive result from an initial screening test like ELISA, rapid test or chemiluminescence assays (CLIA). 
  • To distinguish between HIV-1 and HIV-2, which have different transmission rates and progression patterns, requiring different management and treatment approaches. 
  • To provide a more specific diagnosis of HIV infection, ensuring appropriate medical care.

What does HIV 1 & 2 Antibodies, Western Blot measure?

The HIV 1 & 2 Antibodies, Western Blot test is a confirmatory blood test that detects antibodies to HIV-1 and HIV-2, providing a more specific diagnosis after an initial positive screening test. 

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about HIV 1 & 2 Antibodies, Western Blot


Frequently Asked Questions about HIV 1 & 2 Antibodies, Western Blot

Q. What is the HIV 1 & 2 Antibodies, Western Blot test?

The HIV 1 & 2 Antibodies, Western Blot test is a confirmatory blood test that detects antibodies to HIV-1 and HIV-2, providing a more specific diagnosis after an initial positive screening test.

Q. How is the HIV 1 & 2 Antibodies, Western Blot test done?

A small sample of your blood will be taken by a needle stick from a vein in your arm. The blood sample is then sent to a laboratory for processing.

Q. Is there any risk associated with the HIV 1 & 2 Antibodies, Western Blot test?

The HIV 1 & 2 Antibodies, Western Blot test is generally a safe procedure. However, you may experience minor discomfort or bruising at the blood draw site.

Q. When should I get the HIV 1 & 2 Antibodies, Western Blot test done?

You should consider getting tested for the HIV 1 & 2 Antibodies, Western Blot if a preliminary HIV screening test is either reactive or showing indeterminate results. This is a confirmatory qualitative test and helps to confirm infection due to HIV-1 or HIV-2.

Q. How accurate is the HIV 1 & 2 Antibodies, Western Blot test?

This test is highly accurate and is used to confirm an HIV infection following an initial positive result from a screening test. It significantly reduces the risk of false-positive results.

Q. What if the results of the HIV 1 & 2 Antibodies, Western Blot test are abnormal?

A positive result suggests presence of an HIV-1 or HIV-2 infection. Indeterminate results may be seen with early HIV-1 or HIV-2 infections or other autoimmune diseases. Abnormal results require further testing and consultation with a doctor.

Q. Is fasting required before the HIV 1 & 2 Antibodies, Western Blot test?

No, fasting is not needed before the HIV 1 & 2 Antibodies, Western Blot test.

Q. What additional tests can be advised along with the HIV 1 & 2 Antibodies, Western Blot test?

The additional tests may vary as per your doctor’s discretion. However, commonly prescribed tests include Rapid antibody tests to screen for an HIV infection, Viral load tests to measure the amount of virus in the blood, CD4 count tests to assess the health of the immune system.

Q. Can the HIV 1 & 2 Antibodies, Western Blot test be done at home?

Yes, you can take the HIV 1 & 2 Antibodies, Western Blot test from the comfort of your home with Tata 1mg labs.
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HIV 1 & 2 Antibodies, Western Blot test price for other cities


Price inBangaloreRs. 2999
Price inMumbaiRs. 2999
Price inKolkataRs. 2999
Price inPuneRs. 2999
Price inDehradunRs. 2379
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