I want to get information about the Abbott Architect Duo Test (4th Generation).
The P24 is immediately detectable after infection - so, if someone had unprotected sex with a person with HIV, the P24 protein should be detectable by the next day for example, right?
The P24 protein is always detectable after an infection or it disappear after a period of time?
Considering the questions above, the Abbott Architect Duo Test should be very conclusive after 4 weeks (28-30 days).
Thank you.
Hi,
Thank you for your questions and for using the AIDS Vancouver Helpline as your resource for HIV/AIDS related information.
Hopefully I can provide you with information to answer your questions regard the Abbott Architect 4th Generation DUO test you are inquiring about. The Abbott Architect refers to the brand name of the test but does not change the functions or capabilities of the test as it is still a 4th generation test. This type of test looks for antibodies that your body creates in response to HIV as other types of tests do, but it has the added feature of looking for the P24 protein. The 4th generation tests are actually a combination of the 3rd generation ELISA test and a P24 antigen test.
After someone has been exposed to HIV and the virus is in their body, it remains localized in the area of entry until it has had the opportunity to replicate itself enough to move throughout the entire body. It can actually take up to 3 days for someone to actually become infected with HIV (this does not occur instantly after exposure) and so it is after this time that the P24 protein is detectable by the antigen test. The P24 protein will remain detectable for typically up to three weeks, or when the body has produced the antibodies to the antigen, decreasing the levels of P24 antigens but increasing the levels of antibodies to HIV. These antibodies to HIV are the ones that the ELISA test detects.
At 6 weeks, the 4th generation DUO test is 99.9% accurate. If used within the first three weeks after the virus has had a chance to establish itself in sufficient numbers and the P24 protein is detectable, the 4th generation DUO test is 99.9% accurate. For the most accurate testing and conclusive results, international testing guidelines retesting at 12 weeks to reconfirm any earlier results.
I hope that this has answered your questions regarding the 4th generation testing method. Please feel free to call the Helpline Monday to Friday from 9am-4pm at (604) 696-4666 if you have any further questions or want clarification.
Thanks and stay safe,
Dani
AIDS Vancouver Volunteer
helpline@aidsvancouver.org
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