The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the causative agent of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and has been a major global burden for over three decades.1,2 HIV is transmitted through sexual contact, contaminated blood and blood products or from an HIV-infected mother to her child before, during and after birth.3 Diagnosis of an HIV infection can be made as early as 2 - 3 weeks after infection, based on the detection of HIV p24 antigen in the blood.4,5 Anti-HIV antibodies are detectable in serum from around 4 weeks post-infection.4,6
Elecsys® HIV combi PT is an immunoassay for the in vitro qualitative determination of HIV‑1 p24 antigen and antibodies to HIV‑1 (HIV‑1 groups M and O) and HIV‑2 in human serum and plasma. Elecsys® HIV combi PT is intended to be used as an aid in the diagnosis of HIV‑1 and/or HIV‑2 infection, including acute or primary HIV‑1 infection. The assay may also be used as an aid in the diagnosis of HIV‑1/HIV‑2 infection in subjects greater than 2 years of age and in pregnant women. The Elecsys® HIV combi PT assay is not intended for the screening of blood or plasma donors.7