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HIV1 and HIV2
Do you need separate test for HIV 1 and HIV 2? Would a HIV antibody elisa test find both at 8 weeks?
It depends on the brand of the test used. Most ELISAs test for HIV 1 M,N&O and HIV-2 antibodies. Many rapid tests check for
HIV-2 is less virulent, less infectious and less common than HIV-1, so unless one has had significant exposure with someone from West Africa, Portugal or South America hten it's not worth asking for.
The health advisor / Doctor who is testing you would determine which type to test for at the pre-discussion / risk assessment.
Most people with new HIV-1 infections would seroconvert by that 8 weeks but with a virus like HIV I think you;d want more assurance than 'most'.
Best wishes
HIV-2 is less virulent, less infectious and less common than HIV-1, so unless one has had significant exposure with someone from West Africa, Portugal or South America hten it's not worth asking for.
The health advisor / Doctor who is testing you would determine which type to test for at the pre-discussion / risk assessment.
Most people with new HIV-1 infections would seroconvert by that 8 weeks but with a virus like HIV I think you;d want more assurance than 'most'.
Best wishes
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