The HIV 1/2 Ab Rapid Test Strip (Whole Blood/Serum/Plasma) is a rapid chromatographic immunoassay with a double antigen system for the qualitative detection of antibodies to HIV-1 and/or HIV-2 in whole blood, serum or plasma. It is intended to be used as a screening test and as an aid in the diagnosis of infection with HIV. Any reactive specimen with the HIV 1/2 Ab Rapid Test Strip must be confirmed with alternative testing method(s).
HIV is the etiologic agent of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). The virion is surrounded by a lipid envelope that is derived from the host cell membrane. Several viral glycoproteins are on the envelope. Each virus contains two copies of positive-sense genomic RNAs. HIV-1 has been isolated from patients with AIDS and AIDS-related complex, and from healthy people with a high potential risk for developing AIDS.1 HIV-2 has been isolated from West African AIDS patients and from seropositive asymptomatic individuals.2 Both HIV-1 and HIV-2 elicit an immune response.3 Detection of HIV antibodies in serum or plasma is the most efficient and common way to determine whether an individual has been exposed to HIV and to screen blood and blood products for HIV.4 Despite the differences in their biological characters, serological activities and genome sequences, HIV-1 and HIV-2 show strong antigenic cross-reactivity.5 Most HIV-2 positive sera can be identified by using HIV-1 based serological
tests.
The HIV 1/2 Ab Rapid Test Strip (Whole Blood/Serum/Plasma) is a rapid test to qualitatively detect the presence of antibodies to HIV-1 and/or HIV-2 in whole blood, serum or plasma specimens. The test utilizes gold conjugate and multiple recombinant HIV proteins to selectively detect antibodies to the HIV 1/2 in whole blood, serum or plasma.
