Can HIV test detect all strains?

No single available diagnostic test can accurately identify all the strains of HIV, in the very early stage of infection. There are four phylogenetically different HIV-1 groups, M (major), O (outlier), N (non-M-non-O), and P.

What are four types of tests for HIV?

There are three types of tests available: nucleic acid tests (NAT), antigen/antibody tests, and antibody tests. HIV tests are typically performed on blood or oral fluid. They may also be performed on urine. A NAT looks for the actual virus in the blood and involves drawing blood from a vein.

What is difference between hiv1 and hiv2?

HIV-1 is the most common type of HIV and accounts for 95\% of all infections, whereas HIV-2 is relatively uncommon and less infectious. HIV-2 is mainly concentrated in West Africa and the surrounding countries. HIV-2 is less fatal and progresses more slowly than HIV-1.

Are there any diagnostic tests for HIV-1 and HIV-2?

Tests to diagnose HIV and monitor the level of virus in the body that are sensitive to the full range of subtypes (and to group O and HIV-2) do exist, but may not be readily available in all settings. Explore this page to find out more about HIV-1 and HIV-2, groups within HIV-1, subtypes within HIV-1, and whether differences in subtypes matter.

How long does it take to get tested for HIV?

Nucleic Acid Test (NAT) —A NAT can usually tell you if you have HIV infection 10 to 33 days after exposure Antigen/Antibody Test —An antigen/antibody test performed by a laboratory on blood from a vein can usually detect HIV infection 18 to 45 days after exposure.

Does a negative HIV test result mean I don’t have HIV?

A negative result doesn’t necessarily mean that you don’t have HIV. This is due to the window period. If you test again after the window period, have no possible HIV exposure during the window period, and the result comes back negative, you do not have HIV.

What are the different groups of HIV-1 strains?

Groups within HIV-1. The strains of HIV-1 can be classified into four groups. 4 Of these, M is the ‘major’ group and is responsible for the majority of the global HIV epidemic. The other three groups – N, O and P – are quite uncommon. Group O represents up to 5\% of infections in several west and central African countries,…