These tests are based on the same technology as the ELISA, but instead of sending the sample for further laboratory analysis, the rapid test can produce similar results in 20 minutes.
Rapid tests can use blood samples or oral secretions. They are easy to use and requires no medical facilities or trained personnel for implementation.
Having obtained positive results in a rapid test, a confirmatory test should be performed. The results of the latter can take several days to several weeks.
P24 antigen test
Antigens are substances found in a strange body or germ that trigger the production of antibodies in the human body. HIV antigen that most commonly causes an antibody response is the protein P24. During the initial period of infection, the P24 protein is produced in excess and can be detected in blood serum (although HIV is set entirely in the body, reduced to undetectable levels).
In general, the P24 antigen tests are not used to diagnose HIV infection because they have very low sensitivity and only work before the occurrence of antibodies in the period after HIV infection. At present, most often used as a component of the evidence of the ‘fourth generation’.
Tests of the fourth generation
Some of the HIV testing combine modern P24 antigen tests with standard antibody tests to reduce the ‘period of diagnosis. ” The simultaneous completion of the test antibodies and P24 antigen has the advantage of enabling an early and accurate detection of HIV.
In the UK, evidence of the fourth generation are the main suggestion for HIV among people. However, such tests are not available in all institutions where they commonly carry out these procedimientos.1 In the United States, it is expected that applications for testing the fourth generation in the future be approved cercano.2
PCR test
The PCR test (test of the Polymerase Chain Reaction) can detect genetic material of HIV before antibodies to the virus and, thus, can identify HIV in the blood at two or three weeks has occurred infection. The test is also known as viral load testing and testing of nucleic acid amplification of HIV.
Babies born to HIV positive mothers are often PCR tests done because these children retain the mother’s antibodies for several months. Consequently, the antibody test gives inaccurate results. In most developed countries, examines the supply of blood for the HIV virus through the use of PCR testing. However, they are not often used to detect the HIV virus in people, as they are often very expensive. Moreover, its implementation and subsequent interpretation have more complications than standard antibody test.
Household sample and test for HIV detection
Usually it is recommended that HIV testing is conducted in a medical environment. However, some countries use the sampling and testing kits home.
Domestic Samples
With a home sampling kit, a person can take a sample (usually a blood sample) and sent to the laboratory for analysis. Can be contacted by telephone a few days later to request the results. If the result is positive, a specialist adviser will offer emotional support and medical professionals will recommend those who can attend. The main advantages of this method are convenience, speed, privacy and anonymity.
There is a U.S. company that offers a sample kit home that has been adopted and Drug Administration Alimentos.3 kits that do not have an approval from that entity are marketed Internet.4
There is also a UK company offering these services through the use of oral secretions rather than a sample of sangre.5 If positive results, the person must undergo a blood test later in a clinic .
Domestic Testing
Referring to the situation involving a person who performs a rapid test to detect HIV antibodies in a domestic environment. The person takes a sample of blood or saliva and can interpret the results in minutes. If the test yields positive results, the person must undergo a further blood tests and confirmatory clinic.
In some countries, public sale of these kits is illegal. If the test is online shopping, there is no guarantee that the kit is original nor guarantee the accuracy of the results. Permission for the sale of these kits is the subject of fierce debate in many countries. AVERT, a British charity, opposes the legalization of the sale of these kits in the United Kingdom because of the lack of counseling after the completion of the test.
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