P24 Rapid HIV and Antigen Test

Description Rapid HIV and P24 ANTIGEN TEST
The HIV (VIH) test can be performed using 2 techniques:

Technique used | Sample men | Sample women | Window period | Reliability | Results | Retest
HIV/P24 immunochromatography | Finger prick | Finger prick | 3 weeks | 85% | 20 min | Sometimes
PCR | Blood extraction | Blood extraction | 7 days | 99% | 90 min | No

These tests indicate the presence/absence of the infection. If the test is performed at our facilities, a medical consultation is included (questions, doubts about symptoms, etc.).

In the case of the first test, it is combined (HIV and P24), performed with a small finger prick and results are obtained in 20 minutes.

HIV P24 antigen
The P24 antigen is a viral protein that is characteristically elevated in the early stage of HIV infection, when the body has not yet had time to react and develop antibodies.

This test serves as a screening for recent exposure and infection by HIV. In our case, we perform a combined rapid test with HIV antibodies and P24 antigen; this test increases the probability of detecting an HIV infection early after a possible exposure.

This test can be performed 3 weeks after the date of exposure or risk contact.

Any result obtained must be reconfirmed after 3 months of the window period.

Detection of HIV antibodies
HIV antibodies can be detected after a window period of 3 months from the risk exposure or contact, in order for any clinical test to achieve maximum reliability.

According to WHO: “HIV can be transmitted through vaginal, anal or oral sex with an infected person, transfusion of contaminated blood, or sharing needles, syringes or other sharp instruments. It can also be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding.”

In the case of PCR testing there are several benefits:

We shorten the window period
We increase reliability
In most cases, a confirmatory test after 3 months is not necessary (in immunochromatography tests it is)

Home test

If you wish, we can send you the necessary material so that you can collect the sample at home and send it back to us for processing. Results will appear in your personal area when available.

You will find instructions for sample collection in the box we send you.

In-clinic test

You can come whenever you want without an appointment. A doctor is always available at our facilities. Medical consultation and doubts are included in the cost of the test.

You can come: Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 20:00 or Saturdays from 09:00 to 13:00.

Still have doubts? Write to us.