Eurofins Biomnis code

WB12

Synonyms

• HIV-1/2 - confirmation serology
• HIV-1/2 - Western blot
• HIV-1/2 immunoblot

Specialty

Infectious

Clinical significance

Lentivirus (Retroviridae), is a causative agent for AIDS. The infection leads to major immune deficiency caused by the progressive destruction of CD4+ lymphocytes, which in turn, favours the development of opportunistic infections and tumours. Two different antigenic viral types have been distinguished: HIV1 and HIV2. HIV1 is the most frequent. Most strains belong to the group M, which can be subdivided into at least 10 subtypes or recombinants (A - J). HIV2 and subtype A of HIV1 are found mainly in Africa. A few group O strains are distinct as they are both HIV1 and HIV2. These strains can cause problems during diagnosis. Diagnosis uses immunological methods and molecular virological techniques. Screening must be performed by at least two different techniques using selected reagents that undergo regular evaluation by the French drug agency (L'Agence du Médicament). These reagents must also screen for HIV1, HIV2 and HIV group O. Antibodies appear, on average, 3 - 4 weeks following infection. In the case of a positive screening result, confirmation testing by Western Blot on the same sample will be requested by the pathologist.

Preanalytics

• 4 mL :
• serum
•   Refrigerated

• A tube specifically for this analysis : No

Further information

Storage temperature (2-8°C) < 7 days during transport of specimen.

Methodology

Immunoblot

Turnaround time

2 days