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Early Detection and the Window Period
Specific antibody to HIV is produced shortly after infection, but the exact time depends on several factors, including host and viral characteristics. Importantly, antibody may be present at low levels during early infection but not at the detection limit of some assays. Using the early-generation tests, antibody could be detected in most individuals by 6 to 12 weeks after infection. Newer-generation assays, including the third-generation antigen sandwich assays, can detect antibody at about 3-4 weeks after infection.( 2 ) This window period before the detection of antibody can be shortened by several days using antigen tests, and by several more days using nucleic acid detection methods.( 3 ) Therefore, in most individuals, the window period may be only 2-3 weeks if an all-inclusive testing strategy is used. Most antibody tests currently on the market have near perfect and equivalent degrees of sensitivity for detecting most individuals who are infected with HIV (epidemiologic sensitivity), but they vary in their ability to detect low levels of antibody (analytical sensitivity), such as those occurring before complete seroconversion.( 2 ) Although tests are available to detect specific HIV immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody, these tests have shown little utility in identifying early infection because IgM responses to HIV are not produced consistently during early infection.( 4 ) The ability of some tests (eg, third-generation tests) to detect IgM antibody simultaneously with immunoglobulin G (IgG) detection, however, may be responsible for their higher analytical sensitivity.
虽然部门有点不太沾边。但是说的很宽心。
http://www.hiv.va.gov/vahiv?page ... 01-01-rr&sec=03 |
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