【SUMMARY】
The HIV p24 antigen is a small piece of protein that is found on the capsule of the HIV virus. When a person is infected with HIV, these bits of protein can be found floating in the blood. The HIV p24 antigen rapid test is the test that detects these bits of protein. This test was first developed as a HIV screening test but rapidly ran out of favor due to the development of more advanced NAT tests . The window period for p24 testing is also very small. This test alone is only accurate for between 3 and 6 weeks post exposure . So it is a test with very limited applications unless combined with HIV antibody test. The presence of p24 antigen in the blood indicated a recent HIV infection .
The HIV p24 Antigen Rapid Test Cassette (Whole Blood/Serum/Plasma) is a rapid test to qualitatively detect the presence of p24 antigen to HIV 1 in whole blood, serum or plasma specimen. The test utilizes latex conjugate HIV p24 antibody to selectively detect p24 antigen to the HIV type 1 in whole blood, serum or plasma.

Allow the test, specimen, buffer and/or controls to reach room temperature (15-30°C) prior to testing.
1. Remove the test Cassette from the sealed pouch and use it as soon as possible.
2. Place the Cassette on a clean and level surface.
For Serum or Plasma specimen: Hold the dropper vertically and transfer 1 drop of serum or plasma (approximately 25 μl) to the specimen area, then add 1 drop of buffer (approximately 40 μl),and start the timer, see illustration below.
For Venipuncture Whole Blood specimen: Hold the dropper vertically and transfer 2 drops of whole blood (approximately 50 μl) to the specimen area, then add 2 drops of buffer (approximately 80 μl), and start the timer. See illustration below.
For Fingerstick Whole Blood specimen:
· To use a capillary tube: Fill the capillary tube and transfer approximately 50 μl of fingerstick whole blood specimen to the specimen area of test Cassette, then add 2 drops of buffer (approximately 80 μl) and start the timer. See illustration below.

3. Wait for the colored line(s) to appear. Read results at 10 minutes. Do not interpret the result after 20 minutes.
Note: It is suggested not to use the buffer, beyond 30 days after opening the vial.

Cat. No.	Product Description	Specimen	Format	Kit Size	Cut-Off	Status
IHIG-402	HIV p24 Antigen Rapid test Cassette	WB/S/P	Cassette	40 T	See Insert	Non-CE