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HIV-Duo Test (HIV1&2 Ab/ P24 Ag Duo Test)
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Blood
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Male, Female
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HIV-Duo Test Overview
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.
Written by: Dr Vishal Wadhwa, M.D, D.N.B Microbiology, Medical Affairs
Reasons for Undergoing the HIV-Duo Test
The primary reasons for undergoing the HIV blood test include:
- Early Detection of HIV: This is crucial for starting treatment promptly, which can significantly improve health outcomes and reduce the risk of developing AIDS. Early intervention can also help prevent complications related to the virus.
- Identifying the Infection Before Symptoms Appear: HIV can often go unnoticed for years before symptoms develop. Detecting the virus early helps prevent transmission to others, as individuals can begin treatment and take precautions to minimise risk.
- Detection of Both HIV-1 and HIV-2: The test is capable of identifying both strains of the virus. HIV-2 is more prevalent in certain regions, and its detection is essential for appropriate treatment and management.
- Peace of Mind and Earlier Intervention: For individuals at high risk of exposure, this test provides peace of mind and allows for earlier intervention if necessary, helping manage the infection more effectively.
Understanding the reasons for the test and knowing about the HIV test price beforehand can help you make an informed decision and plan accordingly.
What is the HIV-Duo Test?
The HIV-Duo Test, also known as the HIV 1&2 antibody/p24 antigen combo test, is an advanced diagnostic tool that detects both antibodies to HIV-1 and HIV-2 and the HIV-1 p24 antigen in the blood. As a fourth-generation immunoassay, it allows for earlier detection of HIV infection compared to antibody-only tests. By identifying the p24 antigen, a viral protein that appears soon after infection and before antibodies develop, the HIV-Duo Test improves accuracy and shortens the window period between infection and diagnosis.
This dual detection approach is crucial for timely HIV diagnosis, early treatment initiation, and reducing transmission risk. The test can identify infections caused by different HIV-1 subtypes (including groups M and O) and HIV-2, making it broadly effective. If you're concerned about a recent exposure or want to confirm your HIV status, the HIV-Duo Test provides a reliable and comprehensive assessment.
What Is The Procedure For The HIV p24 Antigen Test?
The p24 antigen test is an integral part of the HIV-Duo Test procedure. Here's what you can expect:
- Sample collection: A healthcare professional will draw a blood sample from a vein using standard phlebotomy techniques. The sample is usually collected in serum separator tubes (SST) or plasma tubes with anticoagulants (e.g., EDTA).
- Sample preparation: The blood sample is processed to separate serum or plasma from blood cells within 24 hours to maintain specimen integrity.
- Testing method: The test uses an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) or similar immunochromatographic methods. The p24 antigen in the sample binds to specific biotinylated monoclonal antibodies and labelled antibodies in a "sandwich" format, producing a measurable signal.
- Result interpretation: Detection of p24 antigen indicates an early HIV infection phase (usually 2-3 weeks post-exposure). Simultaneously, the test detects antibodies to HIV-1 and HIV-2, indicating established infection. Reactive results require confirmatory testing, such as antibody differentiation assays or nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT).
- Turnaround time: Results can be available within hours to a couple of days depending on the laboratory setting.
The HIV 1 and 2 test normal range indicates the absence of both p24 antigen and HIV antibodies. However, if you have recently been exposed to HIV, it's essential to follow up with repeat testing to rule out infection conclusively.
Conclusion
If you're looking for reliable and convenient HIV-Duo Testing, consider Metropolis Healthcare. As a leading chain of diagnostic labs across India, Metropolis is known for providing accurate pathology testing and health check-up services. Our team of qualified blood collection technicians can make at-home visits for blood samples, which are processed at advanced diagnostic labs. Test reports are conveniently shared online via email and the user-friendly Metropolis TruHealth app.
List of Parameters Considered During the HIV-Duo Test
The HIV-Duo test measures two key parameters:
- HIV Antibodies (Ab): These are proteins produced by the immune system in response to the HIV virus. However, it takes several weeks for these antibodies to develop after exposure.
- HIV p24 Antigen (Ag): This is a protein part of the HIV virus itself and appears in the blood earlier in the infection compared to antibodies.
By testing for both, the HIV-Duo Test offers a more comprehensive picture of potential HIV infection, enabling earlier detection. It's also important to consider the HIV test price, as it can vary across different clinics or labs.
HIV-Duo Test Preparation
The HIV-Duo test, or the p24 antigen test, involves drawing a blood sample from a vein in the arm using a small needle. This process typically takes less than five minutes. There is no requirement for fasting or any special dietary restrictions before the test. 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.
HIV-Duo Test Results & Interpretation
The results of the HIV-Duo Test can be interpreted as follows:
- Positive Test Results: If the test is positive for either the HIV antibodies or the p24 antigen, it indicates the presence of HIV infection. Further confirmatory tests, such as the HIV-1/2 antibody differentiation assay or HIV-1 RNA test, may be required to confirm the diagnosis.
- Negative Test Results: A negative result means that no HIV antibodies or p24 antigen were detected. However, if the test is taken too soon after exposure, it may yield a false negative. In such cases, the test should be repeated after 2-3 weeks to confirm the status.
- Indeterminate Results: Any indeterminate or ambiguous results require further evaluation with additional tests, such as an HIV-1 nucleic acid test (NAT).
Home Collection for HIV-Duo Test
Home collection for the HIV blood test offers a convenient solution for individuals to get tested without visiting a clinic. With Metropolis Healthcare's lab services, a trained phlebotomist comes to your doorstep to collect blood samples, ensuring comfort and safety while maintaining high standards of sample handling and testing accuracy. Patients can expect a seamless experience with timely and reliable results, empowering them to take proactive steps in managing their health.
When considering this service, it's also important to check the HIV test price, as it may vary depending on your location and the lab services offered. Metropolis Healthcare's commitment to accessible healthcare underscores its dedication to providing quality diagnostic solutions conveniently at home.
HIV-Duo Test Price in Different Cities
The cost of the HIV-Duo Test may vary depending on your location and the healthcare provider. Here's a rough estimate of the price range in major Indian cities:
|
City |
Approximate Cost (INR) |
|
₹ 500 to ₹ 1000 |
|
|
₹ 500 to ₹ 1000 |
|
|
₹ 500 to ₹ 1000 |
|
|
₹ 500 to ₹ 1000 |
It's important to note that prices may differ based on factors such as the test package, laboratory certifications, and additional services like counselling or confirmatory testing.
HIV-Duo Test (HIV1&2 Ab/ P24 Ag Duo Test) Price
Metropolis Healthcare is a leading diagnostics centre and pathology lab in India equipped with the latest state-of-the-art technologies that provides the HIV-Duo Test (HIV1&2 Ab/ P24 Ag Duo Test) with a clear pricing structure.
The HIV-Duo Test (HIV1&2 Ab/ P24 Ag Duo Test) Price in Mumbai is ₹ 720 .
We are committed to deliver accurate and quality results from the best labs in India with complete transparency regarding test cost and turnaround time. No matter where you are, we strive to offer patients high-quality service that is affordable and accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.
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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.
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The test can detect not only HIV-1, the most common strain globally but also HIV-2, which is prevalent in certain regions.
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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
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Metropolis has a team of 200 senior pathologists and over 2000 technicians delivering diagnostic solutions in the areas of routine, semi specialty and super specialty domains like Oncology, Neurology, Gynaecology, Nephrology and many more.
We offer a comprehensive range of 4000+ clinical laboratory tests and profiles, which are used for prediction, early detection, diagnostic screening, confirmation and/or monitoring of the disease.
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