The fourth-generation rapid HIV diagnostic test - Determine HIV 1/2 Ag/Ab Combo - from Inverness Medical is capable of detecting HIV infection several days earlier than HIV antibody only tests.
The ability of this test to enhance the diagnosis of those with acute HIV infection will provide additional benefits in HIV prevention programmes and ultimately contribute to a reduction in the spread of HIV.
Determine HIV-1/2 Ag/Ab Combo enables simultaneous separate detection of HIV p24 antigen (Ag) and antibodies (Ab) for HIV-1 and HIV-2 in human serum, plasma, or whole blood.
The p24 antigen is produced during the first few weeks of HIV infection and is detectable seven to nine days earlier than the appearance of HIV antibodies.
As a result, the p24 antigen is an ideal marker in aiding early HIV diagnosis.
By simultaneously detecting for all known sub types of HIV and HIV-1 p24 antigen, as a CE marked test, Determine HIV-1/2 Ag/Ab Combo increases the ability to detect and diagnose primary HIV infection (two to 20 days earlier than HIV antibody only tests, with an average mean of five days) and can help healthcare workers diagnose primary infection, prevent mother to child transmission, monitor HIV prevalence and screen blood donations.
By understanding their HIV status, individuals are able to gain early access to specific treatment, care and counselling, prevent transmission, and plan for the future.
Determine HIV 1/2 Ag/Ab Combo provides clear visual results during the patient visit in 20 minutes, with sensitivity of 100 per cent and specificities of 99.23 per cent and 99.66 per cent for HIV antibodies and HIV-1 p24 antigen respectively.
The robust format of this test does not require electricity, water or the use of bulky laboratory equipment and can be performed in point-of-care settings and remote locations in developing countries where laboratory facilities are limited.
Inverness Medical will be showcasing the Determine Combo test at the International Aids Society Conference 2009 in Capetown, South Africa, 19-22 July, on stand 203.
