HIV Antigen / Antibody

What it isA combined test that detects both the HIV p24 viral protein (which appears within 2–4 weeks of infection) and antibodies against HIV (which appear within weeks to months).

DoesScreens for HIV infection at high sensitivity with relatively short window.

GoodA negative test in someone past the window period effectively rules out HIV.

BadPositive results trigger confirmatory testing. Modern antiretroviral therapy makes HIV a manageable chronic condition with normal life expectancy.