HIV-1/2 Antigen and Antibodies, Fourth Generation, with Reflexes
- $50.95
The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.
Also known as: HIV-1/2 Ag/Ab Combo, HIV-1/HIV-2 Discriminatory Assay, HIV12 Antigen and Antibodies Fourth Generation with Reflexes, Multispot HIV-1/HIV-2 Rapid Test
HIV Ag/Ab, 4th Gen
The HIV-1/2 Antigen and Antibodies, Fourth Generation, with Reflexes test contains 1 test with 1 biomarker .
Brief Description: The HIV-1/2 Antigen and Antibodies, Fourth Generation, with Reflexes test is a sophisticated diagnostic tool used to detect both the presence of HIV antigens and the antibodies produced by the immune system against HIV. This fourth-generation test is more advanced than previous generations and allows for earlier and more accurate detection of HIV infection.
Also Known As: HIV Screening Test, AIDS test, AIDS Screen Test, HIV Serology Test, p24 Antigen Test, HIV Antigen Test, HIV Antibodies Test, HIV Fourth Generation Test, HIV-1 Test, HIV-2 Test, Human immunodeficiency virus test, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Test
Collection Method: Blood Draw
Specimen Type: Serum
Test Preparation: No preparation required
IMPORTANT: NOTE THIS IS A REFLEX TEST - The price charged for this test is only for the HIV Antigen and Antibody, 4th Generation Screen in step 1 below. If this test is “reactive” then Quest automatically runs the HIV-1/2 Antibody Differentiation test and, an additional charge of $74 will be charged for this test. If the HIV-1/2 Antibody Differentiation is “indeterminate or nonreactive” then Quest automatically runs the HIV-1 RNA, Qualitative, TMA and an additional fee of $168 will be charged for this test.
Step 1 - Test HIV Antigen and Antibody, 4th Generation Screen is initially run
- Nonreactive then result is Negative and no further testing (HIV-Infection unlikely)
- Repeatedly reactive then Step 2
Step 2 - HIV-1/2 Antibody Differentiation (run if Step 1 is positive)
- Reactive then interpret test results as HIV Infection (HIV-1, HIV-2 or undifferentiated)
- Indeterminate or nonreactive then Step 3.
Step 3 - HIV-1 RNA, Qualitative, TMA (run if Step 2 is Indeterminate or Negative)
- Negative then result is Negative (false positive) and (HIV-1 infection unlikely. Consider testing for HIV-2 DNA if clinically indicated)
- Positive then interpret test results as Acute HIV-1 infection
This algorithm depicts the testing pathway of the HIV-1/2 Antigen and Antibodies, Fourth Generation, with Reflexes test. Although nonreactive results on the fourth-generation screening test and negative results on the HIV-1/HIV-2 differentiation test are consistent with an absence of infection, they may also represent samples collected before the development of detectable p24 antigen and HIV antibodies. Individual risk assessments may be helpful to determine the need for, and the frequency of, re-screening for patients with nonreactive/negative results.
The algorithm is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. A physician’s test selection and interpretation, diagnosis, and patient management decisions should be based on his/her education, clinical expertise, and assessment of the patient.
The HIV-1/2 Antigen and Antibodies, Fourth Generation, with Reflexes detects HIV p24 antigen in addition to HIV antibodies. Because HIV p24 antigen is detectable before seroconversion, fourth-generation assays can detect HIV-1 during acute infection; the inclusion of HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies allows detection after seroconversion, when p24 antigen becomes undetectable. Fourth-generation assays have >99.7% sensitivity and >99.3% specificity for HIV infection and can identify most (>80%) acute infections that would otherwise require nucleic acid testing for detection.6,7 In general, they can detect infection 0 to 20 days (median, 5-7 days) before third-generation immunoassays.5,8,9
Repeatedly reactive results on fourth-generation screening tests require confirmation with a supplemental test, such as an HIV-1/HIV-2 antibody differentiation assay. Differentiation between HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies can have treatment implications, as HIV-2 does not respond to some antiretroviral agents. Differentiation tests also tend to detect antibodies earlier than Western blots. HIV-1/HIV-2 antibody differentiation tests do not detect acute infection. HIV RNA testing is thus needed to resolve infection status in patients with positive results on the fourth-generation assay but negative results on the antibody differentiation test.
When is an HIV Antigen and Antibodies test ordered?
Anyone between the ages of 13 and 64, as well as pregnant women, should be checked for HIV at least once, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American College of Physicians, and the United States Preventive Services Task Force.
All pregnant women should be checked, according to the CDC and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Women at high risk may need to be tested again in the third trimester. Before getting pregnant, a woman who wants to make sure she is HIV-free may choose to get tested.
All sexually active kids should be checked, and teenagers between the ages of 16 and 18 who reside in high-risk locations should be offered HIV testing at least once, regardless of sexual history, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
For persons who are at high risk of contracting HIV, annual screening is recommended if they:
- Have had unprotected intercourse with more than one partner
- Are a man who has had intercourse with a man other than his partner. Gay and bisexual males, according to the CDC, may benefit from more regular screening, such as every 3 to 6 months.
- Have used injectable street drugs, particularly when sharing needles and/or other equipment Has traded sex for drugs or money
- Have a sexual partner who is HIV-positive
- Have had intercourse with someone who fits into one of the aforementioned categories, or is unsure about their sexual partner's risky habits
Even if they are not between the ages of 13 and 64, certain people should have a one-time test and learn their status. These are some of them:
- People who have been diagnosed with hepatitis B or C, TB, or a sexually transmitted infection
- People who got a blood transfusion before 1985, or who had a sexual partner who did, and later tested positive for HIV.
- A healthcare practitioner who comes into contact with blood on the job
- Any person who believes he or she has been exposed
What does an HIV Antigen and Antibodies blood test check for?
AIDS is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus. HIV testing detects the HIV antigen and/or HIV antibodies produced in the blood in response to an HIV infection.
When a person contracts HIV through contact with an infected person's blood or bodily fluids, or through the use of a contaminated needle, for example, the virus begins to replicate, producing a high number of copies. The number of virus and the p24 antigen level in the blood might be relatively high during the first few weeks of infection.
The immune system responds to the virus by creating antibodies directed against it, which can be identified in the blood, about 2-8 weeks after exposure. Both virus and p24 antigen levels in the blood drop when the initial infection heals and the amount of HIV antibody rises.
An HIV infection may cause no symptoms at first, or it may induce flu-like symptoms that go away within a week or two. HIV testing is the only means to determine whether or not a person has been infected.
If HIV is not discovered and treated early, it can develop into a dormant infection with little symptoms for a decade or longer. If the virus is not treated, AIDS symptoms will eventually appear and will increase over time. HIV damages the immune system over time and without treatment, leaving a person's body exposed to devastating diseases.
Early detection and diagnosis of HIV infection is critical for the following reasons:
- It enables early therapy, which decreases the course of AIDS.
- Individuals can learn about their health state and change their behavior to prevent illness spread.
- A pregnant woman can receive treatment to help prevent her child from contracting the condition.
HIV is divided into two types: type 1 and type 2. In the United States, HIV-1 is the most frequent strain, but HIV-2 is more prevalent in Africa.
Lab tests often ordered with an HIV Antigen and Antibodies test:
When an HIV 1/2 Antigen and Antibodies test is ordered, it's often part of a broader evaluation for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and related health concerns. Here are some tests commonly ordered alongside it:
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Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Tests:
- Purpose: To screen for hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses, which can be transmitted similarly to HIV.
- Why Is It Ordered: Co-infection with hepatitis viruses is common in individuals with HIV and can affect treatment and prognosis.
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- Purpose: To screen for syphilis, another STI.
- Why Is It Ordered: Syphilis and HIV have overlapping routes of transmission, and co-infection is relatively common.
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Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Testing:
- Purpose: To test for chlamydia and gonorrhea, common bacterial STIs.
- Why Is It Ordered: These infections often occur together with HIV, so it's important to screen for multiple STIs.
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Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Types 1 and 2 Serology:
- Purpose: To test for past or present infection with herpes simplex virus.
- Why Is It Ordered: To evaluate for other STIs, especially if the patient has symptoms like genital ulcers.
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- Purpose: To evaluate overall blood health.
- Why Is It Ordered: To check for signs of infection or anemia, which can occur with HIV/AIDS.
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- Purpose: To assess liver health.
- Why Is It Ordered: To evaluate liver function, as some antiretroviral medications can affect liver enzymes, and co-infection with hepatitis viruses can impact liver health.
These tests, when ordered alongside an HIV 1/2 Antigen and Antibodies test, provide a comprehensive assessment of sexual health and help in the diagnosis and management of sexually transmitted infections. They are crucial for identifying co-infections, assessing the impact of these infections, and guiding appropriate treatment strategies. The specific combination of tests will depend on the individual’s symptoms, sexual history, and risk factors.
Conditions where an HIV Antigen and Antibodies test is recommended:
The HIV-1/2 Antigen and Antibodies, Fourth Generation, with Reflexes test is used for the diagnosis and screening of HIV infection.
How does my health care provider use an HIV Antigen and Antibodies test?
Testing for HIV antibodies and antigens is used to detect and diagnose HIV infections. Early HIV infection testing and therapy, as well as immune system monitoring, can improve long-term health and survival. Knowing one's HIV status might also assist a person adjust actions that put him or her and others at danger.
The HIV antibody and antigen test is the most commonly used HIV screening test. It can only be done as a blood test. It detects the HIV antigen p24 as well as HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies. Soon after infection, the number of virus and the level of p24 antigen both rise dramatically. Early detection of infections, before HIV antibody is formed, is possible using p24 testing. Antibodies to HIV are created in response to infection a few weeks after exposure and stay detectable in the blood for weeks afterward, making the antibody test useful for detecting infections weeks after exposure. The combination test increases the chances of finding an illness immediately after exposure since it detects both antibody and antigen. Most persons can be tested for HIV infection 2-6 weeks after exposure.
If any of the aforementioned screening tests are positive, a second test must be performed to confirm the diagnosis. This second test is an antibody test, which is not the same as the first. If the second test does not concur with the first, a third test that detects the virus's genetic material is done. In most persons, an HIV RNA test will detect HIV within 1-4 weeks of infection.
What do my HIV 1 and 2 Antigen and Antibodies test results mean?
A negative HIV antigen and/or HIV antibody test usually means a person does not have HIV infection. A negative screening test, on the other hand, simply states that no evidence of disease exists at the time of the test. It is critical for persons who are at a higher risk of contracting HIV to have yearly screening tests to ensure that they have not been exposed to the virus.
HIV tests that exclusively detect HIV antibodies will not detect an HIV infection early after exposure, within the window period before antibodies form. 3 to 12 weeks after exposure, most people produce detectable antibody levels. If an HIV antibody test is performed too early, the result may be negative regardless of the fact that the individual is infected. If an HIV antibody test is negative but your suspicion of exposure is still strong, you may need to repeat the HIV antigen/antibody blood test.
Most Common Questions About the HIV-1/2 Antigen and Antibodies, Fourth Generation, with Reflexes test:
Understanding the HIV-1/2 Antigen and Antibodies, Fourth Generation, with Reflexes Test
What does the HIV-1/2 Antigen and Antibodies, Fourth Generation, with Reflexes test detect?
This test is designed to detect both the presence of HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies as well as the p24 antigen, a protein that is part of the HIV virus. It is the presence of these antibodies and/or antigens that indicates an HIV infection.
Why would someone need an HIV-1/2 Antigen and Antibodies, Fourth Generation, with Reflexes test?
This test is often used to screen for HIV in routine check-ups, especially for individuals who may be at high risk for the virus due to factors such as unprotected sex, intravenous drug use, or being born to an HIV-positive mother.
Interpreting HIV-1/2 Antigen and Antibodies, Fourth Generation, with Reflexes Test Results
What does a positive HIV-1/2 Antigen and Antibodies, Fourth Generation, with Reflexes test result mean?
A positive result indicates that HIV-1 or HIV-2 antibodies and/or p24 antigen have been detected in the blood, suggesting an HIV infection. However, all positive results should be confirmed with a supplemental test for definitive diagnosis.
What does a negative HIV-1/2 Antigen and Antibodies, Fourth Generation, with Reflexes test result mean?
A negative result suggests that there are no HIV-1 or HIV-2 antibodies and no p24 antigen in the blood. However, it's important to remember that there is a "window period" between exposure to HIV and the ability of the test to detect it.
HIV-1/2 Antigen and Antibodies, Fourth Generation, with Reflexes Test and Specific Health Conditions
How does the HIV-1/2 Antigen and Antibodies, Fourth Generation, with Reflexes test help in diagnosing Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)?
HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. The test can detect an HIV infection in its early stages, before it has progressed to AIDS. Early detection and treatment can help slow the progress of the disease.
Can the HIV-1/2 Antigen and Antibodies, Fourth Generation, with Reflexes test help to assess the risk of potential HIV transmission?
Yes, understanding one's HIV status can aid in making decisions that help prevent the transmission of the virus to others.
The Role of the HIV-1/2 Antigen and Antibodies, Fourth Generation, with Reflexes Test in Treatment Considerations
How might the HIV-1/2 Antigen and Antibodies, Fourth Generation, with Reflexes test inform treatment decisions?
If a person is diagnosed with HIV, this test can be one of the first steps towards getting them the appropriate care and treatment, such as antiretroviral therapy (ART).
How can the HIV-1/2 Antigen and Antibodies, Fourth Generation, with Reflexes test be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for HIV?
While other tests, such as viral load tests, are more commonly used to monitor treatment, the fourth-generation test may be used in some cases to confirm that an individual still has the virus.
HIV-1/2 Antigen and Antibodies, Fourth Generation, with Reflexes Test and Other Diagnostic Tools
How does the HIV-1/2 Antigen and Antibodies, Fourth Generation, with Reflexes test complement other tests for HIV?
The test is often used alongside other diagnostic tools such as the HIV viral load test or CD4 count to provide a comprehensive understanding of an individual's HIV status.
What other tests might be ordered alongside the HIV-1/2 Antigen and Antibodies, Fourth Generation, with Reflexes test?
If a person has a confirmed HIV diagnosis, other tests, such as CD4 T cell count, HIV viral load, and tests for other infections may be ordered to assess the person's immune function and overall health.
Patient Considerations for the HIV-1/2 Antigen and Antibodies, Fourth Generation, with Reflexes Test
What factors can affect the results of the HIV-1/2 Antigen and Antibodies, Fourth Generation, with Reflexes test?
The main factor that can affect the result of this test is the time of testing. If the test is done during the "window period" - the time between the potential exposure to HIV and when the test can accurately detect it - it may give a false negative result.
Who might benefit from the HIV-1/2 Antigen and Antibodies, Fourth Generation, with Reflexes test?
Anyone who believes they may have been exposed to HIV should consider this test. This includes individuals who have had unprotected sex, shared needles, or come into contact with HIV-infected blood.
Understanding the Advancements and Limitations of the HIV-1/2 Antigen and Antibodies, Fourth Generation, with Reflexes Test
What are the potential causes of false negative or false positive HIV-1/2 Antigen and Antibodies, Fourth Generation, with Reflexes test results?
A false negative result can occur if the test is performed during the "window period". A false positive result is less common, but may occur due to technical errors or the presence of antibodies from other conditions in the blood.
How has the HIV-1/2 Antigen and Antibodies, Fourth Generation, with Reflexes test improved over previous generations of HIV tests?
Fourth-generation tests can detect both HIV antibodies and the p24 antigen, meaning they can identify HIV earlier than previous generations of tests that only tested for antibodies.
How does the HIV-1/2 Antigen and Antibodies, Fourth Generation, with Reflexes test contribute to global efforts to control and eliminate HIV?
The test's ability to detect HIV early and accurately makes it a key tool in efforts to diagnose and treat HIV as quickly as possible, preventing the further spread of the virus.
How does the HIV-1/2 Antigen and Antibodies, Fourth Generation, with Reflexes test impact the life expectancy and quality of life of an HIV-positive individual?
Early detection through this test enables early initiation of treatment, which can significantly increase life expectancy and quality of life for people living with HIV.
What are the current challenges in HIV testing and how does the HIV-1/2 Antigen and Antibodies, Fourth Generation, with Reflexes test address these challenges?
Challenges include late diagnosis and testing during the window period. This test addresses these by allowing earlier detection compared to earlier generations of HIV tests.
How has the HIV-1/2 Antigen and Antibodies, Fourth Generation, with Reflexes test changed the landscape of HIV screening and management?
This test has enabled more accurate and earlier detection of HIV, allowing for earlier treatment initiation and improved health outcomes for people living with HIV.
How does the HIV-1/2 Antigen and Antibodies, Fourth Generation, with Reflexes test fit into the continuum of care for people living with HIV?
As part of an initial diagnosis, it helps identify the presence of the virus. It's an important first step in the continuum of care for people living with HIV, leading to treatment planning and ongoing monitoring.
How might advances in technology improve the HIV-1/2 Antigen and Antibodies, Fourth Generation, with Reflexes test in the future?
Advances in technology could potentially shorten the window period for detection and reduce the chances of false negatives or positives, improving the test's accuracy.
What potential breakthroughs in the future could change how the HIV-1/2 Antigen and Antibodies, Fourth Generation, with Reflexes test is used?
Breakthroughs in testing technology could lead to even earlier detection of HIV and a better understanding of the virus, potentially changing the approach to screening and treatment.
How might improved understanding of HIV and its progression affect the use and interpretation of the HIV-1/2 Antigen and Antibodies, Fourth Generation, with Reflexes test?
Better understanding of HIV could inform more nuanced interpretation of test results, potentially identifying different stages or strains of the virus, and guiding more personalized treatment plans.
How could societal changes, such as changes in stigma or public policy, affect the use of the HIV-1/2 Antigen and Antibodies, Fourth Generation, with Reflexes test?
Reducing stigma around HIV testing could lead to more people getting tested, while changes in public policy could impact access to testing and treatment, which in turn would affect the use of this test.
How do HIV-1/2 Antigen and Antibodies, Fourth Generation, with Reflexes test results affect decisions about preventative measures, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)?
The test results can help identify individuals who could benefit from PrEP - a preventive medication for people at high risk of HIV. For people living with HIV, it can inform decisions about preventative measures to avoid transmitting the virus.
We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.