July 23, 2009

Abbott’s New Blood Test Detects HIV Earlier

An HIV test developed by Abbott can detect HIV antigens before viral antibodies are present, meaning that it can detect HIV sooner compared with tests currently on the market. According to research on the assay, presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for Clinical Chemistry, the test can effectively detect HIV from zero to nine days following infection.

“The ability to use a blood test to diagnose HIV sooner, in the acute phase of the disease where antibodies are not yet present, presents an exciting opportunity in the fight against HIV,” said Gerald Schochetman, PhD, senior director of infectious diseases, research and development for Abbott Diagnostics. “This data is very promising, and we are excited about the clinical potential of this assay to help detect HIV earlier.”

The Abbott ARCHITECT HIV Combo (Ag/Ab) assay was launched in Europe in 2004 and is not yet available in the United States, but the pharmaceutical company—which developed the first HIV test in 1985—plans to submit a pre-market approval application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration later this year.

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Brian G, Houston TX, 2009-07-28 11:14:37
I wonder how this compares against the efficacy of a HIV RNA test (more commonly called a viral load). That RNA test is currently used to detect HIV almost immediately after exposure. If this test is cheaper, faster or better than it may represent an option to bring more information to bare for those who are exposed through rape, needle stick, etc. I don't think this will be meaningful for most people who become infected with HIV.

Frederick Wright, Tampa, 2009-07-24 10:42:19
Obomde, You comment is funny for I think you need to go back to educate people to know that every medical test or screening needs another test to confirm another test. I personally took many tests before I believed I was HIV for testing is no good without another test to confirm and another test to confirm, so the concept of Gold Standard is most concerning if one is believing in one test or one doctors opinion.

obmode, los angeles, 2009-07-24 01:03:00
the hiv test needs to have an insert to clearly explain to people what it identifies and what it does not identify. some countries require 4 proteins for a positive result while others only require 2 proteins. the test is not standardized and does not meet Gold Standards of testing.