The laboratory diagnosis of HIV infection is usually made on the basis of serology - detection of HIV antibody i.e. the detection of HIV-1/2 antibodies or simultaneous detection of HIV-1/2 antibodies and HIV-1 p24 antigen
In addition HIV infection can also be diagnosed by detecting the presence of the virus itself.
Patients who identify a specific risk occurring more than 4 weeks previously should be offered a 4th generation HIV test immediately without waiting for 3 months (12 weeks).
HIV antibody tests are used for diagnosis and screening.
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