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Ask the Experts about General Treatment Strategies

 

accuracy?
Oct 26, 1998

Dr., How accurate is the p-24 antigen at detecting early infection before antibody developement? Thanks for your time.

Response from Dr. Cohen

Not as good as a viral load. The p24 is an older test. It can be useful, and it is what we used to do. But now a viral load is likely to be more accurate. Since the antibodies usually show up after a few weeks to months - there is a short 'window' for doing these viral tests to test for HIV - and right now it is a viral load that is preferred over a p24. It is likely to be more sensitive and more accurate as far as I know.

Hope that helps.



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