HIV 4th Generation Duo Antigen/Antibody Test

Why test for HIV by 4th Generation Duo Antigen/Antibody Test at Symbion VIP Diagnostics Pathology Lab ?

The 4th generation HIV test is an antigen/antibody test. This blood test is acknowledged to detect acute HIV infection 4 to 12 days earlier than third-generation assays; the average window period (incubation period) for HIV antibodies is 25 days to two months, but can take up to three months-- This is how long you should wait after being potentially being exposed to HIV to get tested for it with this test. If you get tested before this time has elapsed, it is recommended that you test again to confirm your results once the incubation period has passed. The 4th generation test detects HIV antibodies as well as P24 antigens, while the 3rd generation test detects only HIV antibodies. HIV P24 antigens are viral proteins that make up most of the core of the virus. Blood serum concentrations of P24 antigens are high in the first few weeks after infection; therefore tests sensitive to P24 antigens are useful for diagnosing very early HIV infections when antibody levels are still low. HIV typically starts out with flu-like symptoms, they may be mild initially, but the amount of virus in the blood at this time is high making it easier to spread. Common HIV symptoms include: Sore throat Fever Headache Chills Night sweats Joint pain Diarrhea Swollen lymph nodes Rash Muscle aches/pains Ulcers on genitals or in mouth Chronic symptoms of HIV are: Fever Swollen lymph nodes Fatigue Diarrhea Coughing Weight loss Shortness of breath Without treatment, HIV eventually (often over approximately 10 years) progresses to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). AIDS symptoms include: Weight loss Skin rashes/bumps Headaches Coughing Chronic diarrhea Shortness of breath Severe chills Fever higher than 100 F for weeks Lethargy/Fatigue White spots/abnormal lesions on tongue and inside mouth Distorted or blurred vision