HIV Antibody, Rapid Card Test

AIDS is caused by HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection. HIV-1 is most common and found in AIDS-infected people, while HIV-2 is endemic in origin and limited to a specific geographical area, like Africa and other western countries. Both the viruses that cause HIV infection have the same morphology. Antibodies for both types of HIV are detectable only between 6 and 12 weeks of exposure to the infection.

About HIV-1 and 2 antibodies test

Patients who are at risk for HIV have to take screening tests like HIV-1 and 2 antigen and HIV-1 and 2 antibody tests . Which can be done by using various FDA-approved procedures, including rapid HIV-1 and 2 antibodies test, ELISA, or western blot, and many more.

• This test comes under the 3rd and 4th generation or combination test to detect HIV-1 and 2 antibodies in the blood. This lab-based HIV test is close to 100% accuracy. The test is effective for detecting remote HIV infection but not for detecting recent HIV infection. To expect accurate results, one has to wait for the window period. HIV-1 and 2 antibodies measure both types of HIV infections in an individual.
• The test is also known as the "rapid card test for HIV antibodies" because it takes only 20 to 30 minutes to give results and also uses the finger prick method. It has equal accuracy to conventional methods of detecting both types of HIV antibodies. And the window period for rapid card testing may be more than 18-90 days’ post infection exposure.
• It is a one-step test that qualitatively detects the antibodies in the blood made against the HIV infection.

Importance of HIV-1 and 2 antibodies test

The HIV virus attacks the CD4 immune system. They use the antibodies for rapid replication inside the body. At this point, the virus and the antigen become high during the first 3 weeks of HIV infection. But after 8 weeks, the antigen level starts falling as the body starts developing antibodies against the HIV infection. Hence, at this time, antibodies to both HIV types (1 and 2) can be detected in the blood by using various antibody tests. After a certain time, the levels of both the antigen and antibodies start falling, which can make the virus undetectable.

HIV-1 and 2 viruses have a unique protein structure. Whenever it attacks any person, their immune system produces antibodies to fight or eliminate the HIV virus. Such antibodies in the blood become a marker that confirms the presence of HIV infection in the blood. That is why the HIV-1 and 2 antibodies test is an important test to diagnose HIV infection.

Preparing for the test

There is no need to take special precautions before this test. Do let the doctor know about all the medicines you are taking if you are on certain medications, including prescription and non-prescription. The test also doesn’t pose any health risk; it is a simple blood test just like any other. But taking a test too early post-infection with HIV may give a false result.

How is HIV-1 and 2 antibodies test performed?

It is done using a blood sample and is commonly known as ELISA (enzyme-linked assay), while the rapid card test is the more advanced and quick form of ELISA or EIA. The extent of antibodies' binding to HIV proteins can be measured in the blood. Results can be obtained within 20 minutes by using the rapid method. The test can detect the infection after 3 weeks of post-exposure to the virus. This test is often accompanied by a western blot to confirm the presence of HIV-1 and HIV-2 infection or diagnosis. The procedure is easy and straightforward and only takes a small amount of blood to perform.

Benefits of this test

Being exposed to HIV is frightening and unfortunate; the rapid card test eliminates uncertainty and provides quick results that aid in the immediate treatment plan by an HIV specialist. Clinical confirmation helps a doctor to take the best possible step to save a life from HIV infection. The rapid antibody test is a vital tool which helps in the detection of HIV1 and 2 antibodies and slows the transmission of HIV as well. With the help of doctors, such patients are capable of leading a long life like other non-infected people.

When to take an HIV-1 and 2 antibodies test?

At least once in a lifetime, everyone between the ages of 13 and 64, or people infected with STDs, transgender people, males or females who have multiple sexual partners, people sharing the same needles, people who have suspected symptoms of HIV infection, and individuals who have hepatitis should also get tested for HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies.

How does the HIV 1 and 2 antibody test help?

It also differentiates between both types of HIV infections, which show different results in various 3rd or 4th generation tests.

Results of HIV 1 and 2 antibody test

If the HIV antibody test results are positive, a doctor may recommend other confirmatory tests and will make a treatment plan accordingly. As a result, in HIV-1 and 2 infections, a professional approach and a doctor's recommendation are more important. This test is important for people who are at high risk or who have previously had exposure to the infection.

A negative test result doesn’t indicate that there is no HIV infection since sometimes it can take more than 2 months to develop the antibodies within the system. Therefore, such people should undergo the test again after 3 months to confirm the negative test.

Finally, a negative test result indicates that the person does not have HIV, but he or she should be screened again in the future, whereas a positive test result indicates that he or she does have HIV.

Where to get HIV-1 and 2 antibodies test?

The Redcliffe labs have a network of 60 well-equipped centres all over India. For the testing, a patient needs to fix a slot online for home sample collection(www.redcliffelabs.com). The patient will get all the assistance from the concerned staff to guide them regarding the whole test and the test cost as well. The company respects the patient’s privacy and keeps all the records confidential.