HIV-1 Ag

HIV-1 Antigen

What's

HIV-1 Ag

HIV-1 Antigen, or HIV-1 Ag, is a protein found in the Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1), which is the most common and easily spread type of HIV. This antigen is like a building block of the virus. When HIV-1 enters your body, your immune system sees this antigen as an invader and starts making specific antibodies to fight it. Finding the HIV-1 Antigen in your blood is one of the earliest ways to know if you have an HIV-1 infection, often before your body has made antibodies. This makes it very important for early HIV testing and diagnosis.

If Your Levels Are High

Elevated levels of HIV-1 Ag might suggest that your body is reacting to the presence of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1). This reaction is your immune system's way of trying to fight off the foreign invader. Keep in mind that certain factors could potentially affect these levels, such as recent vaccinations or other infections. Additionally, some medications or substances might interfere with the test's accuracy. It's important to remember that this is a general explanation and individual health situations may vary.

Symptoms of High Levels

Symptoms of high levels of HIV-1 Ag may not be immediately noticeable, as the body's initial response to HIV-1 can often be asymptomatic. However, some individuals might experience flu-like symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, or swollen lymph nodes.

If Your Levels are Low

A low level of HIV-1 Antigen might mean that your body hasn't come into contact with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1), or that the virus isn't actively multiplying inside you. This could be because your immune system is doing a great job fighting it off, you're taking effective antiretroviral medications, or the virus simply isn't there. However, it's also possible that the virus is present but in such early or low levels that the test can't pick it up. Things like recent exposure to the virus, when you took the test, and how your immune system responds can all affect the results.

Symptoms of Low Levels

Symptoms of low levels of HIV-1 Ag are typically non-existent, as this test measures the presence of the virus rather than the body's reaction to it.

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See References

Test for

HIV-1 Antigen

HIV Ab-Ag Panel, 5th Generation by Access Med Labs

Serum

This panel determines the absense or presence of antibodies to HIV. The presence of antibody to HIV is not in itself diagnostic of AIDS. Reactive results will be sent for confirmation at an additional charge.

STD Panel, Comprehensive by Access Med Labs

Urine

Serum

This panel is used to help diagnose HIV, syphilis, herpes, chlamydia, and gonorrhea.

STD Panel by Access Med Labs

Serum

This panel is used to help diagnose HIV, syphillis, and herpes.

CONTENTS

What is it?

High Levels

Low Levels

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