Hiv Diagnostics
Hiv Diagnostics - Related Videos
05:46
Rapid Screening of HIV Reverse Transcriptase and Integrase Inhibitors
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Cited by 15 •
2014
Here we describe cellular cytotoxicity and single round infectivity assays that allow for the rapid and accurate screening of compounds to determine their cellular cytotoxicity (CC50) and IC50 values against WT and drug resistant HIV-1.
13:58
Amplifying and Quantifying HIV-1 RNA in HIV Infected Individuals with Viral Loads Below the Limit of Detection by Standard Clinical Assays
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Cited by 10 •
2011
Quantifying levels of HIV-1 RNA in plasma and sequencing single HIV-1 genomes from individuals with viral loads below the limit of detection (50-75 copies/ml) is difficult. Here we describe how to extract and quantify plasma viral RNA using a real time PCR assay that reliably measures HIV-1 RNA down to 0.3 copies/ml and how to amplify viral genomes by single genome sequencing, from samples with very low viral loads.
13:08
Visualizing Cell-to-cell Transfer of HIV using Fluorescent Clones of HIV and Live Confocal Microscopy
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Cited by 4 •
2010
This visualized experiment is a guide for utilizing a fluorescent molecular clone of HIV for live confocal imaging experiments.
16:05
Using Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) to Develop Diagnostic Tools
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Cited by 1 •
2007
10:49
In vitro Uncoating of HIV-1 Cores
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Cited by 47 •
2011
Uncoating is an essential step in the early phase of the HIV-1 life cycle and is defined as the disassembly of the capsid shell and the release of the viral ribonucleoprotein complex (vRNP). Here, we demonstrate techniques for isolating intact cores from HIV-1 virions and for quantifying their uncoating in vitro.
FAQs
These markers become informative at different points after exposure. Antibody tests depend on the development of HIV-specific antibodies, whereas p24 antigen and viral RNA testing can identify infection before antibodies fully develop. Consequently, the same specimen may produce different results depending on when testing occurs, making timing an important part of interpretation.
Combination assays examine both HIV-specific antibodies and the p24 antigen. If antibodies have not yet fully developed, detection of p24 can still provide evidence of infection. This broader marker coverage may shorten the period during which infection is present but not yet detectable by an antibody-only approach, supporting earlier identification.
Nucleic acid tests detect viral RNA directly rather than relying only on the host antibody response. This makes them useful when direct evidence of the virus is needed, including situations in which antibodies may not yet be fully developed. Their results must still be considered alongside testing timing and any required follow-up.
The window period reflects the interval after exposure when infection may be present but a particular marker has not reached detectable levels. A result obtained during this interval may not provide a complete answer, because antibody, antigen, and RNA methods do not become informative at identical times. Follow-up or confirmatory testing may therefore be necessary.
Selection begins by considering when exposure occurred and which marker the available method detects. Antibody, p24 antigen, combination antigen-antibody, and viral RNA approaches provide different opportunities for identifying infection. If testing occurs during a possible window period, the result may require follow-up or confirmation rather than being interpreted in isolation.
Additional testing is important when the initial result does not fully resolve the diagnostic question, particularly when testing occurs near the window period. Because markers appear at different times, a subsequent test can reassess infection using an appropriate detection approach. This staged interpretation helps support reliable diagnosis and appropriate clinical decisions.
Timely identification of infection can guide clinical care, including the use of antiretroviral treatment, and can support efforts to prevent transmission. After diagnosis, monitoring may include viral load and CD4 cell counts. These measurements add biological information for following the infection and assessing care over time, extending testing beyond the initial diagnosis.