Q and A

Question

Do PCR and DUO tests pick up HIV-1 and HIV-2?

8 December 2011. Related: All topics, HIV testing.

I had an exposure in West Africa and want to test in London.

I had a PCR and 4th generation Elisa DUO test in Africa and they were negative but I was told that my PCR only looked for HIV-1 and that the the P24 antigen is only present in HIV-1 and therefore the DUO test also would not detect HIV-2 (which is common in West Africa).

OK, the antibody test in the Elisa DUO will look for both strains but I am worried about HIV-2.

Am I correct in what I say about the P24 antigen part of the test? Even if my PCR test was only designed for HIV-1 is there a chance it could still detect HIV-2 as they are similar?

Answer

Answer: Angelina Namiba

Thank you for your question

Both the PCR and the DUO tests look for all subtypes of the two strains, HIV-1 and HIV-2. It does not matter where you were infected geographically, these tests are designed to pick up any infection.

For more information on HIV tests please follow this link

Best wishes

15 comments

  1. Simon Collins •

    DISCUSSION ON THIS POST IS NOW CLOSED.

    Please use this link to ask a new question.
    http://i-base.info/qa/ask-a-question

    Please note that i-Base no longer answer questions about HIV testing or HIV transmission.

  2. Simon Collins •

    Hi Hani

    Answers to questions on testing are already online at the FAQ page.
    http://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing

    or in this guide:
    http://i-base.info/guides/testing

  3. Hani •

    No pcr Test Looking only HIV-1 not hiv2 iam Sure about it

  4. Simon Collins •

    i-Base are no longer answering individual questions about transmission and testing. Please see the new i-Base guide to HIV testing and the risk of sexual transmission. This explains and discusses your concerns.
    http://i-base.info/home/new-i-base-guide-hiv-testing-and-risks-of-sexual-transmission/

  5. Adedeji •

    My friend undergoes series of negative hive test upto four month after exposure but still experiancing the following symptoms sorethroat, visible veins,thrush,drymouth,palpitation,backache,headache,joint pain, muscle ache and nerves twitching is the test to be considered conclusive or should test again? Need your help please!