HIV 1 and 2 Antibodies (Rapid)

The HIV Antibodies test is useful in diagnosis of an HIV infection in the body.

Other names: HIV screening test   

HIV or Human Immunodeficiency Virus is an infection that progressively destroys the immune system in Humans. The immune system weakens over time and cannot fight infections. HIV is spread when a person comes in contact with infected body fluids.

Who should get tested for HIV Antibodies?

The HIV antibodies test is used for those individuals who are at high risk of contracting the virus. HIV is primarily spread through unprotected anal, vaginal or oral sexual activity with unknown/multiple or anonymous partners. It is also spread when syringes are shared amongst drug users. The test is recommended for all those who are at risk. Once a person is confirmed for HIV infection, the HIV viral load test is done to determine the viral load in the blood.

Why HIV Antibodies test?

It is important to diagnose and manage HIV so that the person with HIV can lead a normal, healthy life, lifelong disease management is required.

The body produces antibodies is response to infection by the HIV virus. This test detects the antibodies to confirm an HIV infection. Post an infection, the body takes about 2-3 weeks to produce enough antibodies and hence the window period is important to consider before taking the test. The doctor may order additional tests if the test results for a confirmed diagnosis.

Reference values for HIV Antibodies Test

HIV antibodies - Non-reactive

Interpretation of HIV Antibodies Test

HIV Antibodies test result is reported as positive, negative and intermediate. A positive test indicates the presence of HIV infection and a follow up HIV Viral Load test is required to confirm the diagnosis. A negative test will need a follow up test to confirm that there is no infection. An intermediate test is when the first test reported positive and the follow-up test is negative. More tests are done to either confirm or rule out an HIV Diagnosis.

Antibody tests may give false negative during the window period, an interval of 3 weeks to 6 months between the time of HIV infection and the production of measurable antibodies to HIV seroconversion. Most people develop detectable antibodies approximately 30 days after infection, although some seroconvert later.

The vast majority of people (97%) have detectable antibodies by three months after HIV infection; a 6-month window is extremely rare with modern antibody testing.

Early antiretroviral therapy during the window period may alter antibody responses. This does not apply to individuals undergoing treatment with post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).

Antibody tests may yield false negative results in patients with X-linked gammaglobulinemia.

A positive HIV result in an infant <18 months of age may not reflect the infant's HIV infection status. HIV antibodies persist in the sera of infants up to 18 months of age, due to transplacentally acquired maternal antibodies. HIV PCR testing is recommended in this age group for diagnosis.