This change will take effect January 19, 2015
Overview and Clinical Utility:
Effective January 19, 2015, PathGroup will insource 4th generation HIV testing. Compared to the 3rd generation HIV antibody-only test, the 4th generation HIV assay provides greater sensitivity due its ability to detect the p24 antigen and conventional HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies. The p24 antigen becomes elevated and detectable during the initial burst of viral transmission before an antibody response. The risk of contagion in individuals with an HIV infection is reported to be greater in early acute infections due to high viral load.
Click Here to read more.