HIV-Duo Test
Also known as: HIV-Duo Test (HIV1&2 Ab/ P24 Ag Duo Test)
HIV-Duo Test (HIV1&2 Ab/ P24 Ag Duo Test) Details in Brief
| Also Known As | HIV 4th Generation Test, HIV Antigen/Antibody Combination Test, HIV-1/2 Ab & P24 Ag Test |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Detects both HIV P24 antigen and HIV antibodies, helps diagnose early and late-stage HIV infections, and supports rapid and accurate HIV screening. |
| Preparation | Clinical History Required |
| Fasting | Not required |
| Reporting Time | After 6 hours |
| Cost | 650 |
What Is an HIV-Duo Test (HIV1&2 Ab/P24 Ag Duo Test)?
The HIV-Duo test is an advanced 4th-generation screening test designed to detect Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. The test helps detect both early signs of HIV infection and your body's immune response to the virus, enabling doctors to diagnose HIV sooner than older-generation tests. This comprehensive test uses a blood sample collected from a vein in your arm to provide accurate results.
What Does the HIV-Duo Test (HIV1&2 Ab/P24 Ag Duo Test) Measure?
The HIV-Duo test simultaneously measures important markers in your blood to provide accurate HIV screening:
- P24 Antigen: A protein that forms part of the HIV, detectable very early after infection.
- HIV-1 Antibodies: Your body's immune response proteins against the most common type of HIV worldwide.
- HIV-2 Antibodies: Immune response proteins against the less common HIV type found mainly in West Africa but also present in India.
HIV-Duo Test (HIV1&2 Ab/P24 Ag Duo Test): Who Needs It and Why It's Done
What Symptoms May Call for an HIV-Duo Test (HIV1&2 Ab/P24 Ag Duo Test)?
Your doctor may recommend this test if you experience flu-like symptoms that appear 2 to 4 weeks after potential HIV exposure:
- Fever and chills
- Persistent sore throat
- Unexplained skin rash
- Muscle aches and joint pain
- Extreme tiredness or fatigue
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin
- Mouth ulcers
Who Should Get an HIV-Duo Test (HIV1&2 Ab/P24 AG Duo Test)?
This test is recommended for various groups to ensure early detection and appropriate care:
- Individuals with symptoms: Anyone experiencing early HIV symptoms, especially after potential exposure.
- High-risk individuals: People with unprotected sexual contact, multiple partners, or a needle-sharing history.
- Routine screening: Everyone aged 13-64 as part of regular healthcare check-ups.
- Pregnant women: All expectant mothers to prevent transmission to their baby.
- After potential exposure: Anyone who believes they may have been exposed to HIV.
Why Is an HIV-Duo Test (HIV1&2 Ab/P24 Ag Duo Test) Done?
This test enables early and accurate HIV detection. It allows prompt medical treatment, helps manage the virus effectively, and significantly reduces the transmission risk to others.
Importance of an HIV-Duo Test (HIV1&2 Ab/P24 Ag Duo Test)
The HIV-Duo test is clinically significant because it reduces the window period for detection. By looking for both the P24 antigen and antibodies, it can identify HIV infection as early as 2-4 weeks after exposure. Early diagnosis allows you to start antiretroviral therapy promptly, which suppresses the virus to undetectable levels.
This protects your immune system, helps you live a healthy life, and prevents AIDS progression. When your viral load becomes undetectable through treatment, you cannot transmit HIV to sexual partners, making early testing a powerful tool for stopping HIV spread.
HIV-Duo Test (HIV1&2 Ab/P24 Ag Duo Test) Booking & Reports – Metropolis Healthcare India
How to Book an HIV-Duo Test (HIV1&2 Ab/P24 Ag Duo Test)?
- Simple Online Booking
Booking can be done through the Metropolis Healthcare App or website. Select 'HIV-Duo Test (HIV1&2 Ab/P24 Ag Duo Test)', choose a convenient time slot, and provide your address for a blood test at home. You can also visit the nearest Metropolis Lab if you prefer to give the sample directly at the lab. - Safe Home Sample Collection
Our trained phlebotomists ensure the timely collection of your sample while strictly following all safety and hygiene protocols. - Sample Tracking Updates
Stay informed at every step. From collection to testing, you can track your sample directly through the Metropolis Healthcare website. - Accurate Laboratory Testing
Your sample is processed at our NABL- & CAP-accredited laboratories, where expert technicians ensure accurate results. - Quick & Easy Reports
Receive your test reports promptly via email, WhatsApp, or by downloading them directly from the Metropolis Healthcare website or app.
Is Home Sample Collection for the HIV-Duo Test (HIV1&2 Ab/P24 AG Duo Test) Available Near You?
Yes, home sample collection for the HIV-Duo Test is widely available across India through Metropolis Healthcare. Our trained phlebotomists follow strict safety protocols while collecting your blood sample in the comfort of your home. This service eliminates travel concerns and waiting times, making HIV screening more accessible.
How Long Does It Take to Get an HIV-Duo Test (HIV1&2 Ab/P24 Ag Duo Test) Report?
Reports are usually available within 6 hours once the sample reaches the lab.
Where Can I See or Get HIV-Duo Test (HIV1&2 Ab/P24 AG Duo Test) Results?
Test results from Metropolis Healthcare can be accessed through multiple convenient channels. You can log in to the Metropolis website using your credentials or use the Metropolis Healthcare App to view and download your reports. Additionally, test reports are sent via email or WhatsApp, and you also have the option to collect a physical copy directly from the lab.
Interpreting HIV-Duo Test (HIV1&2 Ab/P24 Ag Duo Test) Results
What Your HIV-Duo Test (HIV1&2 Ab/P24 Ag Duo Test) Results May Indicate
The following table explains how to understand your HIV-Duo test results and their clinical significance:
|
Parameter |
Reference Range |
Non-Reactive Result |
Reactive Result |
|
HIV-DUO (IVth Generation Test) |
Non-reactive: < 1.0 S/CO |
No HIV antigens or antibodies detected - normal result |
HIV antigens or antibodies detected — requires confirmatory testing. |
Conditions that May Affect HIV-Duo Test (HIV1&2 Ab/P24 Ag Duo Test) Accuracy
Several factors can influence your HIV-Duo test results and should be considered when interpreting outcomes:
- Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) or post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) medications may affect test accuracy.
- A very early infection stage (within the window period) might yield false-negative results.
- Unknown HIV variants may lead to negative findings despite infection.
- Late-stage HIV infection, in rare cases, may show unusual patterns.
- Autoimmune conditions or certain medications might cause false-positive reactions.
- Recent vaccinations could potentially interfere with antibody detection.
- Sample quality issues, such as haemolysis or inappropriate storage temperature.
How Is an HIV-Duo Test (HIV1&2 Ab/P24 Ag Duo Test) Done?
The HIV-Duo test follows a straightforward blood collection procedure performed by trained healthcare professionals:
- A healthcare professional cleans the area on your arm with an antiseptic.
- An elastic band is tied around your upper arm to make veins more visible.
- A small needle is inserted into a vein to collect blood.
- About 3 ml of blood is drawn into a special collection tube.
- The needle is removed, and a bandage is applied to the site.
- Your blood sample is sent to the laboratory for analysis using advanced immunoassay technology.
How Should You Prepare for an HIV-Duo Test (HIV1&2 Ab/P24 Ag Duo Test)?
Preparing for your HIV-Duo test is simple and requires minimal effort on your part:
- No fasting required: You can eat and drink normally before the test.
- Continue regular medications: Take your usual medicines unless advised otherwise by your doctor.
- Inform about HIV prevention drugs: Tell your doctor if you're taking PrEP or PEP medications.
- Provide clinical history: Share relevant medical information with your doctor.
- Wear comfortable clothing: Choose clothes that allow easy access to your arms.
Diseases that an HIV-Duo Test (HIV1&2 Ab/P24 Ag Duo Test) Can Help Detect
This comprehensive test helps identify and diagnose several HIV-related conditions:
- HIV-1 infection: The most common type of HIV found worldwide.
- HIV-2 infection: A less common HIV variant primarily found in West Africa.
- Acute HIV infection: Very early-stage HIV before full antibody development.
- Chronic HIV infection: Established HIV infection with detectable antibodies.
- Asymptomatic HIV: HIV infection without obvious symptoms or signs.
HIV-Duo Test (HIV1&2 Ab/P24 Ag Duo Test) Packages that You Can Book With Metropolis Healthcare
Metropolis Healthcare offers comprehensive testing packages that include HIV screening along with other important health assessments:
|
Test/Package Name |
Purpose/Highlights |
|
Comprehensive early HIV screening for individuals over 2, with additional parameters to support early intervention and treatment. |
|
|
Basic sexually transmitted disease screening panel. |
|
|
Expanded screening for STIs, including additional pathogens. |
HIV-Duo Test (HIV1&2 Ab/P24 Ag Duo Test) Prices in Different Cities
The cost of an HIV-Duo Test (HIV1&2 Ab/P24 Ag Duo Test) may vary depending on your location. Here's a table showing the approximate prices in different cities:
|
City |
Price (INR) |
|
₹ 400 to ₹ 1000 |
|
|
₹ 400 to ₹ 1000 |
|
|
₹ 400 to ₹ 1000 |
|
|
₹ 400 to ₹ 1000 |
|
|
₹ 400 to ₹ 1000 |
|
|
₹ 400 to ₹ 1000 |
HIV-Duo Test (HIV1&2 Ab/ P24 Ag Duo Test) Price
Metropolis Healthcare is a leading diagnostics centre and pathology lab in India equipped with the latest state-of-the-art technologies that provides the HIV-Duo Test (HIV1&2 Ab/ P24 Ag Duo Test) with a clear pricing structure.
The HIV-Duo Test (HIV1&2 Ab/ P24 Ag Duo Test) Price in Kalyan is ₹ 650 .
We are committed to deliver accurate and quality results from the best labs in India with complete transparency regarding test cost and turnaround time. No matter where you are, we strive to offer patients high-quality service that is affordable and accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are three main types: antigen/antibody combination tests (like HIV-Duo), antibody-only tests, and nucleic acid tests. The HIV-Duo test is highly recommended, as it detects both antigens and antibodies, providing earlier and more accurate results than other tests.
For the HIV-Duo test, the optimal time is 18-45 days after potential exposure. This allows sufficient time for both P24 antigens and antibodies to develop to detectable levels, ensuring accurate results while minimising the window period.
No, fasting is not required for HIV testing. You can eat and drink normally before the test. The presence of HIV antigens and antibodies in your blood is not affected by food intake or fasting status.
Dehydration does not affect the accuracy of HIV test results for detecting antigens or antibodies. However, severe dehydration may make blood collection more difficult for the technician, so staying adequately hydrated is recommended for comfort during the procedure.
No special dietary preparation is needed. Continue taking your regular medications, but inform your doctor about all medicines, especially HIV prevention drugs like PrEP or PEP, as these may potentially affect test interpretation and timing.
A healthcare professional cleans your arm with an antiseptic, ties an elastic band around your upper arm, inserts a small needle into your vein, and collects blood in a special tube. The entire procedure takes less than five minutes.
Risks are minimal and similar to any routine blood test. You may experience slight pain, minor bruising at the needle site, or occasional dizziness. Serious complications, like infection, are extremely rare when proper protocols are followed.
HIV test results are reported as either non-reactive (normal) with values less than 1.0 S/CO or reactive (preliminary positive) with values of 1.0 S/CO or higher. A non-reactive result means no HIV infection was detected.
The HIV-Duo test is also called the HIV 4th Generation Test, the HIV Antigen/Antibody Combination Test, or the HIV-1/2 Ab & p24 Ag Test. All these names refer to the same advanced screening method that detects both antigens and antibodies.
Yes, modern HIV tests, including the HIV-Duo, are extremely accurate, with over 99% reliability when performed correctly after the window period. All reactive screening results require confirmatory testing to establish a definitive diagnosis, ensuring maximum accuracy.
The HIV-Duo test can typically detect HIV infection as early as 18 days after exposure, though it may take up to 45 days for definitive results. This makes it one of the earliest detection methods available for HIV screening.
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