HIV-Duo Test (HIV1&2 Ab/ P24 Ag Duo Test)

• 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.

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.

For every HIV test, there is a different window period. It is described as the time duration for which you need to wait after exposure to the virus before the test result comes back a true positive. It is not possible to understand whether a patient has been just exposed after getting a positive test result.

Getting tested for the virus too soon may yield a false negative result. But at the same time, waiting too long to get tested can make a person miss out on the opportunity to start early treatment. It may cause them to spread the virus unknowingly.

• HIV screening test
• HIV antigen
• Anti-HIV antibody
• P24 antigen
• HIV 1 and 2 Antibodies

Ideally, it is recommended for everyone between the age of 13 and 64. However, there are some cases in which frequent testing may be essential, at least once a year. This includes cases in which a patient is at a higher risk of getting HIV. The following risk factors increase the chances of a person contracting HIV:

• Having several sexual partners
• Having unprotected sex with someone who may be HIV positive
• Injection of drugs with a needle or syringe which has been used on someone else
• Having tuberculosis, hepatitis or a sexually transmitted disease such as gonorrhoea, chlamydia, syphilis or herpes
• Being a sex worker
• Having sex with a partner who has a history of any of the above