Query about HIV Ab/Ag Duo Test

[crossfire123]

Dear members,
What does Ab and Ag means in HIV duo Ab/Ag CMIA test?? which type of test is this? is this same as ELISA Antibody test or what?

Please reply
Best Regards

[crossfire123]

Thanks, really appreciate it.
Best Regards

[mike_no]

Technically it does. However, the standard testing guideline for a conclusive result still remains at 12 weeks post exposure but I can certainly tell you a cheat here - a 4-6 week negative on a duo is very unlikely to change ahead (12 week testing is imperative for a conclusive).

Happy to help :)

[crossfire123]

Thanks a lot mike
it explains everything :-)


Best Regards

[crossfire123]

Thanks a lot

so it means that HIV combo Ag/Ab reduces the window period??  

[mike_no]

A Duo Test i.e. p24 AG + AB (Antibody) is optimum at 28 days post exposure.

IV gen HIV test = Duo test = III gen antibody test + P24 Ag detection

IV generation test (P24 Ag and AB test) taken at the 4th week is very reliable because if the body has not produced detectable amount of antibodies by that time and seroconverting the p24 (proteins) would be definelty be detected and if the antibody is produced Ab would be detected.

Let me elaborate,

a. If one has already seroconverted the 'Ab detection' of the test is active and still a  reliable result could be obtained (Usually,p24 ab could be detected from 5 - 14 days)

b. If the individual is seroconverting (it's rare at the 4th week,since the average time to seroconvert is 21 days) the 'Ag detection' of the test would be active and a reliable result could be still obtained.

P24 antigen is a protein which is found in one's body (assuming the person's HIV infected) at about 14 to 32 days after the infection, after the above mentioned time period detectable amount of AB would aways be present in one's body and the P24 Ag would not show up any more but the AB woul be detected. Hence, a P24 Ag and Ab 1& 2 test is advised at the 28th day for early detection only.

For some one with a real risk, a negative at 28 - 42 days on a IV gen test would have been very indicative however it's warranted to be backed up with a final test at the 12th week wih a regular anti-body test.

[postnasalzulu]

Ag= Antigen. A surface cell of HIV. You've b een tested for the P24 antigen. Which provikes an AB or ANTIBODY response mate.

P24 peaks around 21 days before AB attatch to the P24 and P24 plummets as this occurs AB levels go through the roof. Done at the correct interval you are laughing.

P.S just google it dude