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HIV Diagnostic TestingQuestion 2/5

A 30-year-old man is taking HIV preexposure prophylaxis, and he returns to clinic for a routine visit and follow-up HIV testing. Blood is drawn for a laboratory-based HIV-1/2 antigen-antibody immunoassay.

What is the major advantage of an HIV-1/2 antigen-antibody immunoassay versus an HIV-1/2 antibody immunoassay?

Figure 1. Timing of HIV Antigen and HIV Antibodies After HIV Acquisition
Illustration: David H. Spach, MD
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Question Last Updated
May 3rd, 2026

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