HIV 1 & 2 Ab & p24 Ag (Combo) Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About HIV 1 & 2 Ab & p24 Ag (Combo) Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | HIV Duo Test, HIV Ag/Ab Combo Test, HIV Antigen/Antibody Combination Test, Fourth-Generation HIV Test, HIV Screening Test |
| Sample Type | Venous blood (serum or plasma) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | Within 4 to 16 hours at a standard central lab or 24 to 72 hours if further analysis is required |
| Recommended For | All adults aged 13 to 64 years (at least once); high-risk individuals; pregnant women |
| Price | Starting at ₹275 |
What is an HIV 1 & 2 Ab & p24 Ag (Combo) Test?
The HIV 1 & 2 Ab & p24 Ag (Combo) test is a blood test that screens for HIV infection by looking for two types of markers at the same time. It detects both HIV antibodies (proteins the immune system makes in response to infection) and the p24 antigen (a protein from the HIV core). Also called the HIV Duo test or HIV Antigen/Antibody Combination Test, it belongs to the fourth generation of HIV screening tests. A doctor may prescribe it during a routine health check, after a potential exposure, or as part of antenatal care.
What Does an HIV 1 & 2 Ab & p24 Ag (Combo) Test Measure?
This test checks for three distinct markers in a single blood sample. Here is what each one represents:
| Parameter | What It Detects | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| HIV-1 p24 Antigen | A core protein released by the HIV-1 virus | Appears earliest after infection, before antibodies develop |
| HIV-1 Antibodies | Immune proteins produced in response to HIV-1 | Detects the most common type of HIV worldwide |
| HIV-2 Antibodies | Immune proteins produced in response to HIV-2 | Detects a less common type, primarily seen in West Africa |
Because this HIV Ag/Ab Screen checks for both the antigen and antibodies together, it can identify infection significantly earlier than older antibody-only tests.
Why is an HIV 1 & 2 Ab & p24 Ag (Combo) Test Done?
Doctors order this test in a range of clinical situations, from investigating symptoms to routine screening.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Early HIV infection can resemble a flu-like or glandular fever-like illness. The following symptoms may prompt a doctor to suggest this test:
- Persistent or unexplained fever
- Unusual fatigue that does not improve with rest
- Skin rash without a clear cause
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin
- Sore throat that keeps recurring
- Night sweats
- Unexplained weight loss or mouth ulcers
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The HIV Antigen/Antibody Combination Test can help identify the following:
- Acute or early-stage HIV-1 infection, where the p24 antigen may be detectable as early as 14 days after exposure
- Established HIV-1 infection, confirmed by the presence of HIV-1 antibodies
- HIV-2 infection, detected through HIV-2 antibodies
HIV 1 & 2 Ab & p24 Ag (Combo) Test During Pregnancy
HIV screening is a standard part of antenatal care for all pregnant women. In areas with higher rates of perinatal HIV transmission, repeat screening in the third trimester is also recommended. Early detection during pregnancy allows for treatment that can significantly reduce the risk of passing HIV to the baby during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparing for this test is straightforward, as there are no major dietary restrictions involved.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required before this test. It can be scheduled at any convenient time of day. If your doctor has requested additional tests alongside this one, check whether any of those require fasting.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
A few simple steps will help ensure your sample is collected smoothly and the results are accurate:
- Stop taking high-dose biotin supplements (5 mg per day or more) at least 24 hours before the test, as biotin can interfere with results
- Bring a signed consent form for HIV testing; if you are using home collection, the phlebotomist will provide this before drawing your blood
- Inform the healthcare provider about any recent illness, vaccination, or medications you are taking
- Stay well hydrated, as this makes veins easier to find during blood collection
- Wear a short-sleeved or loose-fitting top for easy access to the inner elbow
Step-by-Step Procedure
The blood collection process is quick and involves minimal discomfort. Here is what to expect:
- The phlebotomist cleans the skin at your inner elbow with an antiseptic wipe.
- A tourniquet (a soft elastic band) is wrapped around your upper arm to make the veins more visible.
- A small needle is gently inserted into a vein, and a few millilitres of blood are drawn into a collection tube.
- The needle is removed, and light pressure is applied to the site to stop any bleeding.
- A small plaster or bandage is placed over the puncture site.
- The labelled sample is packaged and sent to the laboratory for testing.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors may influence how reliable the result is. These include:
- Testing too soon after exposure (within the window period, before markers are detectable)
- High-dose biotin supplementation, which may interfere with p24 antigen detection
- Use of antiretroviral medications for PrEP (a preventive HIV medicine) at the time of testing
- Recent infections, vaccinations, or certain immune conditions that may cause non-specific reactions
- Sample quality and correct laboratory handling procedures
Understanding Your HIV 1 & 2 Ab & p24 Ag (Combo) Test Results
Results from this HIV combo test are reported as either non-reactive or reactive. Always review your results with a doctor who can place them in the context of your health history and any recent exposures.
| Parameter | Normal Result | Reactive Result |
|---|---|---|
| HIV-1/2 Antigen/Antibody Screen | Non-reactive (Negative) | Reactive (requires confirmatory testing) |
A non-reactive result means the test found no evidence of an HIV infection. A reactive result does not by itself confirm an HIV diagnosis. As per NACO (National AIDS Control Organisation) guidelines, all reactive samples are retested using at least three different methods before a final report is issued.
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain conditions can affect how results appear. Your doctor will consider these when interpreting your report:
In the advanced stage of AIDS, when the immune system is severely weakened, HIV antibody levels may fall below detectable levels. However, the p24 antigen should still be detectable with this fourth-generation assay.
Non-specific reactions may sometimes occur in people with certain autoimmune conditions, recent non-HIV infections, elevated antibody levels in the blood, or during pregnancy due to alloantibodies (antibodies produced in response to another person's cells). A confirmatory test will clarify the result in such cases.
The window period for this test is approximately 18 to 45 days after exposure. A negative result within this period does not fully rule out infection, and a follow-up test may be recommended.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
Because HIV is a preventable infection, the following general measures are widely recommended:
- Use condoms consistently during sexual contact to reduce the risk of HIV transmission
- Avoid sharing needles, syringes, or any equipment used for injections
- If you are at higher risk of exposure, speak with your doctor about PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), a preventive option
Lupin Diagnostics HIV 1 & 2 Ab & p24 Ag (Combo) Test Price and Home Collection
The HIV 1 & 2 Ab & p24 Ag (Combo) test price starts at approximately ₹275, with home sample collection available across major Indian cities.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Mumbai | ₹550 |
| Bangalore | ₹550 |
| Hyderabad | ₹550 |
| Chennai | ₹550 |
| Kolkata | ₹550 |
| Pune | ₹550 |
| Ahmednagar | ₹550 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers home collection for this test across cities in India, so you can have your sample taken at a time and place that suits you. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by trained professionals. Your digital report is delivered securely via email or WhatsApp within 4 to 16 hours of sample collection at a standard central lab or 24 to 72 hours if the sample is sent to a reference lab or if it requires batched analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
The HIV Antigen/Antibody Combination Test is a 4th-generation test. Unlike older third-generation tests that only look for antibodies, this test also detects the p24 antigen, which appears earlier in infection. Research has shown that fourth-generation testing can identify a significant proportion of HIV infections that third-generation tests miss.
The median window period for a 4th-generation HIV Ag/Ab Screen is around 18 days after exposure. In most cases, the test will detect infection within 13 to 24 days. For a very small number of individuals, detection may take up to 44 days. Always discuss timing with your doctor to decide when it is best to test.
A reactive result from the HIV combo test is considered preliminary and must be confirmed before any diagnosis is made. As per NACO guidelines, the sample undergoes additional testing using different methods before a final report is prepared. Your doctor will guide you through this process and arrange for confirmatory tests.
A negative result within the window period may not be fully conclusive. Although most infections are detectable within three weeks using this test, seroconversion (development of detectable antibodies) can occasionally take up to 3 months. Your doctor may recommend a follow-up test based on the timing of your exposure.
No fasting is needed. The HIV 1 & 2 Ab & p24 Ag (Combo) test can be taken at any time of day, making it easy to fit around your daily schedule. If other tests are being done at the same time, check with your doctor whether any of those have fasting requirements.
Yes, high-dose biotin (5 mg per day or more) can interfere with p24 antigen detection in this test, potentially affecting accuracy. It is advisable to stop taking high-dose biotin at least 24 hours before your sample is collected. Mention any supplements you are taking to the phlebotomist or your doctor.
Yes. HIV screening is a routine part of antenatal care, and the HIV Antigen/Antibody Combination Test is the preferred method. It is offered at the first antenatal visit and may be repeated in the third trimester in certain cases. Early identification allows for treatment that can greatly reduce the chance of passing the infection to the baby.
HIV 1 & 2 Ab & p24 Ag (Combo) Test
