LabCorp, the Burlington, N.C.-based national laboratory, has launched a more sophisticated test and algorithm for the detection of the HIV virus. The test is the fourth-generation HIV test that has been made available by LabCorp, which is the nation’s second-largest laboratory firm. LabCorp said in a statement that the new test allows for the detection of the HIV virus about seven days earlier than the previous generation of the test. In addition to confirming an infection, the new test can confirm which of the two HIV antibodies and whether or not the p24 antigen is present in the patient. Levels of the p24 antigen correlate to how long ago the patient was infected with the virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1.1 million Americans have been diagnosed with HIV, which is a precursor to AIDS. Another 207,000 Americans are estimated to have been infected with the HIV without yet being diagnosed. Altogether, 50,000 HIV infections are diagnosed in the United States every year, and 32,000 people are diagnosed with having AIDS. The disease is most common among gay and bisexual men, although African Americans are infected at a rate significantly higher than other ethnic groups. […]
LabCorp, the Burlington, N.C.-based national laboratory, has launched a more sophisticated test and algorithm for the detection of the HIV virus.
The test is the fourth-generation HIV test that has been made available by LabCorp, which is the nation’s second-largest laboratory firm.
LabCorp said in a statement that the new test allows for the detection of the HIV virus about seven days earlier than the previous generation of the test. In addition to confirming an infection, the new test can confirm which of the two HIV antibodies and whether or not the p24 antigen is present in the patient. Levels of the p24 antigen correlate to how long ago the patient was infected with the virus.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1.1 million Americans have been diagnosed with HIV, which is a precursor to AIDS. Another 207,000 Americans are estimated to have been infected with the HIV without yet being diagnosed.
Altogether, 50,000 HIV infections are diagnosed in the United States every year, and 32,000 people are diagnosed with having AIDS. The disease is most common among gay and bisexual men, although African Americans are infected at a rate significantly higher than other ethnic groups.
Although HIV and AIDS was once an eventual death sentence, it can be kept in check with a combination of anti-retroviral drugs and is now mostly considered a chronic condition. However, the intensity of the drug regimen—and its accompanying side effects—can be lessened with a quicker diagnosis of HIV infection.
“Fourth-generation HIV screening and associated supplemental testing is a valuable addition to the tools available to achieve early diagnosis of HIV,” said Mark Brecher, M.D., LabCorp’s chief medical officer. “Detection of acute infections using the fourth-generation assay provides an improved opportunity for early intervention and the potential to affect transmission rates.”
A LabCorp spokesperson did not to respond to a request seeking comment.
Takeaway: Improved laboratory testing for viruses such as HIV can lead to a more comfortable treatment regimen for the patient.
