Can p24 antigen test help in early detection of HIV?
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Before 19 days, I had protected sex with a part-time sex worker and freaked out after the incident. I am worried about any possible infection that could happen.
I did a p24 antigen test. The results are p24 antigen on fourth day-0.125, sixth day-0.254, ninth day-0.271, twelfth day-0.274, fifteenth day-0.396, nineteenth day-0.540.I am upset about the increase in count. Please advise.
I have done PCR RNA after 15 days for HIV 1, and it is not of detected status and HIV 2 ELISA on the nineteenth day which was also nonreactive. Kindly advise.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
Yes, the titer of p24 is increased, but still, it is below the threshold value of being positive. Also, your PCR RNA done after two weeks is also negative.
Your HIV 1 and HIV 2 tests done on the nineteenth day is also negative. It indicates that you do not have any infection, but it is too early to say with certainty.
So you need to repeat the fourth generation HIV test after 12 weeks of possible exposure. So till that you need not worry excessively as the investigation done till to date indicates that most probably you do not have an infection.
For more information consult a sexologist online
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
Does this increasing value have anything to do with the infection?
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
The increase in titer may be due to many reasons including laboratory to laboratory variations, the test itself may show some differences. So do not worry and wait for the test to be done in the twelfth week.
For more information consult a sexologist online
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
During my protected sex, we did more of oral sex with a condom and a vaginal insertion of ten seconds only. The lady shared her medical reports done two months back.
Everything was fine. I have no significant symptoms apart from sneezing, blocked nose, sinus related for which I am under treatment for a few years. I am unable to concentrate on my work.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
The lady does not have any HIV infection, so even if you had unprotected contact how can you get the infection. You can only get an infection from someone who is infectious, and the lady has shared her report with you, which was all normal.
So it is just your anxiety that is causing difficulty in concentrating you in your work. It seems that you are too much worried about HIV and this is causing you all the problem.
You need not worry excessively, as the chance of infection is unlikely for you. You have already repeated p24 test too much, and slight variations in result were causing you to get upset.
So relax and do not get panic. You repeat the fourth generation HIV test after 12 weeks.
For more information consult a sexologist online
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
I am freaked out and testing too much because of excess anxiety. I am staying away from sex with my wife. I was fine two days back, but the latest report of p24 antigen 0.540 freaked me out.
I hope the variations in the results are normal and nothing more to worry. I have done the fourth generation test, ELISA and a p24 antigen for HIV 1 and HIV 2 separately.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
The fourth generation HIV test, ELISA are antigen-antibody detection test. The p24 antigen test is used for early detection of infection as it can pick up positive result earlier but it is not the only test to be done.
Variation can occur in any analysis. Keeping away from the wife is a good option, and even you can try safe sex practice.
For more information consult a sexologist online
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Related Questions
Kindly explain the tests and precautions to be taken for HIV after unprotected sex.
I had oral sex with confirmed HIV positive guy. What are my chances of infection?
Are ELFA and HIV DUO tests conclusive at three and six months post-exposure?
Can exposure to pre-seminal fluid cause HIV?
I tested negative for HIV, and my ELISA test score is 0.32. Is there any chance of getting HIV?
What is the cut-off value for ELISA test?
Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.