HomeAnswersHIV/AIDS specialisthiv testingDo anti-human immunodeficiency virus tests check only for the antigen or also for antibodies?

Are anti-human immunodeficiency virus antigen-antibody testing able to detect both antibodies and antigens?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At April 14, 2023
Reviewed AtMay 9, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I had a protected relationship with a girl but there was strong unprotected oral sex. I inserted my fingers into the her vagina for two minutes or more. This was the first time in my life that I had sex. There was a panic attack and I also started to fear human immuno deficiency virus. I did anti human immunodeficiency virus antigen - antibody test after fifty days and also did a second test after 100 days. Do these tests check for both antibodies and antigen, or only the antigen. According to what I have read that the protein 24 antigen disappears four weeks after infection.

If they actually search only for the antigen, are these tests useless? Please advice.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for your query,

The test detects both human immuno deficiency virus IV antigen and antibodies. The test result is conclusive at the specified dates. If there are no additional risk exposures, there is no need for additional human immunodeficiency virus tests.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Basti Bharatesh Devendra
Dr. Basti Bharatesh Devendra

Dermatology

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