HIV 1+2 ANTIBODY + P24 ANTIGEN

Routine Serologic Screening of patients at risk for HIV-1 or HIV-2 infection usually begins with a HIV-1/-2 Antigen and/or Antibody Screening Test, Antibodies against HIV-1 and HIV-2 are usually not detectable until 6 to 12 weeks following exposure and are almost always detectable by 12 months. However with the addition of p24 Antigen the HIV status can be determined between 11th day to one month after getting infected with HIV. HIV virus causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). As per NACO guidelines, all reactive samples are tested by three different methods prior to release of the report.

• HIV 1+2 Antibody + P24 Antigen: The HIV 1+2 Antibody + P24 Antigen Test enables early identification of HIV infection by detecting both HIV antibodies and the p24 antigen. A negative result implies either no active infection or an infection that is too recently acquired to be identified. A positive result indicates the presence of HIV. A precise diagnosis and the choice of the best course of action require confirmatory testing.

HIV tests aim to determine the presence of HIV infection by analyzing samples of blood. HIV testing can be performed on individuals who exhibit symptoms of HIV infection, as well as as part of a routine screening program or as a diagnostic test following potential HIV exposure.

HIV testing is crucial for people who are sexually active, especially those who have multiple partners, as this viral infection is primarily an STD. It is advised to get tested for HIV for:

• Babies born to HIV-positive mothers
• Individuals getting  treatment for any other STD
• Individuals who already have tuberculosis or hepatitis
• People going for unprotected sex with multiple partners
• Women who are pregnant, or planning to become pregnant
• Individuals who use shared needles to inject drugs

Test results for HIV can be classified as positive, negative, or indeterminate.  HIV test results need to be interpreted cautiously. Follow-up testing is often necessary. Patients need to consider the window period for the test, which is the interval between HIV infection and test detection. No test can identify HIV infection immediately after exposure and all HIV tests have a window period for presenting a reliable result, typically lasting between two and twelve weeks.

• Negative HIV Test result: It indicates that there were no HIV antigens or antibodies found in the test sample. If a person has had no potential exposure to HIV within the test’s window period, he/she is considered negative for HIV infection. HIV testing needs to be repeated after a person completed the window period if he/she may have been exposed during that time.
• Positive HIV Test result: Follow-up testing is required to confirm positive results from an HIV test. The same blood sample used for the first test is used for the second test in laboratory tests. Your doctor will arrange for a follow-up test if the results of the rapid test come back positive. An individual is deemed as HIV-positive if the results of the follow-up test are also positive.
• Indeterminate Results: When a follow-up test comes back negative after a positive initial screening, the results of the HIV test are indeterminate. Doctors may advise a more thorough HIV viral load test in this case to provide further validation.

It is crucial to remember that not every HIV-positive person will experience early symptoms.  However, the following symptoms may appear two to four weeks following HIV exposure:

• Chills
• Muscle aches
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Prolonged diarrhea
• Sore throat
• Rash on the torso
• Spotting on the skin or in the mouth
• Unexplained fatigue
• Swollen glands or lymph nodes
• Unexplained weight loss

The Blood Sample for HIV 1+2 Antibody + P24 Antigen Test is taken in following steps:

• The area where the needle will be inserted to take your blood is cleaned with an antiseptic alcohol wipe. The hollow on the inside side of the elbow or the tip of the finger are the most common sites for this.
• A tourniquet or a band is tied around your upper arm to facilitate the access to the vein in your arm.
• A needle is used to puncture your vein. The blood sample is collected into a test tube attached to the needle. The needle may cause a small pinch or sting when it is inserted.
• Once the vial or test tube is filled, the blood sample collection for the test is finished and the needle is taken out.
• Finger pressure is applied on the puncture site to stop the bleeding and the band aid is applied at the site.

• Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, there is no need for you to make any special preparations before the HIV 1+2 Antibody + P24 Antigen Test. 
• However, a duly filled consent form for HIV testing & pre-test counseling is mandatory before going for this testing.
• Other blood tests can be carried out in addition to an HIV 1+2 Antibody + P24 Antigen Test. If your doctor advises you to have multiple tests at once, they may ask you to fast for a specific period of time prior to a blood test.
• Drink adequate water before sample collection.
• Avoid vigorous physical activity before the sample collection.
• Follow the preparatory instructions as guided by your doctor.

• Go to the Dr. B. Lal Lab website.
• Go to the “Book a test” tab.
• Select the “Lab Test” tab.
• Type “HIV 1+2 Antibody + P24 Antigen Test” in the search bar.
• Click on the test.
• The test page with all the test details will show up.
• Click on “Book Now”.
• Login and verify your mobile number with OTP.
• Now enter your details. 
• Select date & time for booking an HIV 1+2 Antibody + P24 Antigen Test in Jaipur. 
• Check out.

The Price of an HIV 1+2 Antibody + P24 Antigen Test is Rs. 530. However, cost of the test may fluctuate depending on following factors:

• Other tests advised along with HIV 1+2 Antibody + P24 Antigen Test
• Offers or discounts
• Empanelment of the patient