Katkars - Clinical & Industrial Products

4th generation HIV test: ‘closing the window’ further

One step Microelisa test for the immunological detection of HIV-1, HIV-1 Group O and HIV-2 infection that sets new standards in sensitivity.

The human immunodeficiency viruses type 1 and type 2 (HIV-1 and HIV-2) are etiological agents of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Serological evidence of HIV infection may be obtained by testing for HIV antigens or antibodies in serum or plasma of individuals suspected of HIV infection. Shortly after infection, HIV antigen is only temporarily detectable. Antibody to HIV-1 and/or HIV-2, however, can be detected throughout virtually the total infection period, starting at, or shortly after, the acute phase and lasting till the end stage of AIDS. The use of highly sensitive antibody assays is an established approach in serodiagnosis of HIV infection and in screening blood or blood products to prevent HIV-1 and/or HIV-2 transmission.

With HIV antibody tests becoming ever more sensitive, the so-called window phase, i.e. the time between infection and detection of HIV antibody, has been reduced. Further shortening of that window phase can be achieved by incorporation of HIV antigen detection in such highly sensitive HIV antibody tests. With the combined detection of HIV antigen and HIV antibody in one single test the 4th generation of HIV screening tests has come available.

The Vironostika HIV Uni-Form II Ag/Ab test, with ist pearl shaped, freeze-dried conjugate present in each well, is a 4th generation HIV assay setting new standards in sensitivity for the immunological detection of HIV-1, HIV-1 Group O and HIV-2 infection. It is based on the Uni-Form II concept with its ultimate user-friendliness.

Uni-Form II: the pearl that puts Elisa a step ahead.