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

The HIV-Duo test, also known as the HIV 1 and 2 test, is a comprehensive screening tool that detects HIV infection by checking for both HIV antibodies and the p24 antigen, allowing for earlier diagnosis and intervention compared to tests that only look for antibodies.

Yes, some labs like Metropolis Healthcare offer home sample collection for the HIV blood test. It’s also important to check the HIV test price, as it may vary depending on the lab and location.

The HIV-duo test is used for early detection of HIV infection, identifying both HIV-1 and HIV-2 infections and enabling prompt treatment and prevention of transmission. It provides a comprehensive picture of potential HIV infection.

A normal range for the HIV-Duo test indicates the absence of detectable HIV antibodies and p24 antigen. However, the term "normal range" is not typically used; instead, results are reported as positive or negative.

The HIV-Duo test is recommended for everyone between the ages of 13 and 64, particularly those at high risk of exposure, such as individuals with multiple sexual partners, those engaging in unprotected sex, injection drug users, and sex workers.

The benefits of the HIV-Duo test include early detection of HIV infection, which is crucial for starting treatment early and improving health outcomes. The test offers increased accuracy, especially in the early stages of infection, and can detect both HIV-1 and HIV-2 infections. This enables prompt treatment, prevents transmission, and ensures better management. It’s also important to consider the HIV test price, which may vary depending on the lab or clinic you choose.

It is recommended to get the HIV 1 and 2 tests at least once a year if you are at high risk of exposure. For others, testing is recommended based on individual risk factors and medical advice.

Generally, this is recommended 2-3 weeks after exposure, but it can vary depending on individual circumstances.

No, fasting is not required for the HIV-Duo test.

Before getting the HIV-Duo test, inform your healthcare provider about any recent exposures or risk factors. Avoid getting tested too soon after exposure to prevent false negative results.

The parameters included in this test are HIV antibodies (Ab) and the HIV p24 antigen (Ag). These markers provide a comprehensive picture of potential HIV infection.

The HIV blood test involves drawing a blood sample from a vein in the arm using a small needle. This process typically takes less than five minutes and is performed by a healthcare professional.

The HIV-Duo test should be done after an appropriate window period following potential exposure to ensure accurate results.

The HIV-Duo test becomes positive when either the HIV antibodies or the p24 antigen are detected in the blood sample. This can occur as early as 2-4 weeks after exposure due to the inclusion of the p24 antigen test.

The blood sample collection typically takes less than five minutes.

The turnaround time for the results can vary but is generally available within 24 hours, depending on the day/time when the sample was collected and processed as well as lab's efficiency. It's also essential to consider HIV test price, as it can differ between labs, especially if you opt for faster processing or home collection services.

Individuals at high risk of HIV exposure, such as those with multiple sexual partners, engaging in unprotected sex, injection drug users, and sex workers, should consider getting the HIV early detection test. Pregnant women and healthcare workers are also advised to get tested regularly.

The main difference between HIV-1 and HIV-2 tests is the specific strain of the virus they detect. HIV-1 is more common worldwide, while HIV-2 is more prevalent in certain regions like West Africa. The HIV-Duo test detects both strains simultaneously.