Eurofins Biomnis code

P24AG

Synonyms

• HIV - p24 Ag
• HIV-1 antigen
• P24 - HIV antigen
• P25 antigen

Specialty

Infectious

Clinical significance

HIV is a lentivirus (Retroviridae) which cause AIDS. Infection results in major immunodeficiency due to the progressive killing of CD4+ T-lymphocytes. Immunodeficiency predisposes HIV-infected subjects to opportunistic infections and certain tumors. Two antigenically distinct serotypes are recognized, HIV1 and HIV2. The former is more common with most strains belonging to the M group which includes at least 10 different sub-types or recombinant forms (from A through J). HIV2 and sub-type A of HIV1 are mainly found in Africa. A few strains (Group O) are distinct from both HIV1 and HIV2 and can be difficult to diagnose using the conventional immunological and nucleic acid-based tests. The p24 antigen is a viral core protein which is an early marker for HIV infection (both HIV1 and HIV2). This antigen is detectable in the blood within about 14 days of initial exposure but has disappeared by the fourth week and this test is of no value for monitoring the progression of infection in subjects known to be HIV-positive.

Preanalytics

• 1 mL :
• serum
•   Reftrigerated

• A tube specifically for this analysis : No

Further information

With neutralisation test if positive
ATTENTION: interference possible in patients treated with biotin (vitamin B7, B8 or H) or taking any food supplement containing biotin. Essential to STOP treatment 8 days before taking the sample.

Methodology

Enzyme-immunoassay

Turnaround time

1 day