HIV 1 & 2 Antibody (4th Gen) Test Explained

4^th generation HIV antibody and antigen test is the standard test recommended by most of the health care centers. It detects antibodies created by your body when it fights the disease and also the specific antigens found in the virus itself. These antigens are foreign molecules whose presence in the blood induces the immune system to respond and try to get rid of them, so as a result of this toxin invasion of the virus antibodies are produced. The antigens can be detected earlier than the antibodies so the window period, the time passed between the actual infection and the test result, is shorter, leading to a rapid treatment beginning.

Note: This article is not medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your specific condition.