Newcastle Laboratories

HIV 1+2 Antibody/p24 Antigen

Clinical Background:

Screening test for HIV infection (4th generation assay). HIV Serology Measures the amount of antibodies against HIV and HIV specific antigens that are present in the blood. A positive test must be ...

Screening test for HIV infection (4th generation assay). HIV Serology Measures the amount of antibodies against HIV and HIV specific antigens that are present in the blood. A positive test must be confirmed by other tests before definitive diagnosis can be made. The test may be positive 2-4 weeks after infection however to fully exlude recent infection a sample should be sent at least 3 months after suspected exposure.

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Test Details

  • Discipline:

    Microbiology

    Microbiology

  • Specimen Container Adult:

    Clotted blood - Gold SST

    Clotted blood - Gold SST

  • Specimen Container Paediatric:

    Clotted blood

    Clotted blood

  • Minimum Volume Adult:

    5 ml

    5 ml

  • Minimum Volume Paediatric:

    1 ml

    1 ml

  • Special Requirement:

    Send to laboratory as quickly as possible. If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C

    Send to laboratory as quickly as possible. If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C

  • Sample Stability:

    Stable for up to 24 hours

    Stable for up to 24 hours

  • Transport Requirements:

    Standard

    Standard

  • Add On Test:

    Possible up to 5 days

    Possible up to 5 days

  • Quality Assurance:

    UK National External Quality Assurance Scheme (UKNEQAS)

    UK National External Quality Assurance Scheme (UKNEQAS)

  • Interpretation:

    May be negative for up to 3 months following infection (window period).

    May be negative for up to 3 months following infection (window period).

  • Reference Ranges:

    None available

    None available

  • Factors Affecting Result:

    If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C

    If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C

Availability:

Performed daily using random access systems. Can be processed outside core hours if sanctioned by the on-call virologist.

Turn Around:

2 days

Send To:

Department of Microbiology

Freeman Hospital
Freeman Road
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE7 7DN

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