HIV Ab/p24 Ag with Reflex is a diagnostic test used for the detection of HIV infection. It combines the identification of antibodies (Ab) and p24 antigens (Ag) associated with the HIV virus. The test is usually performed as an initial screening tool, utilizing a sensitive combination assay to detect both the presence of antibodies produced by the body in response to HIV and the p24 antigen, which is an early marker of HIV infection.

The fourth generation tests can identify both HIV-specific antigen p24 and HIV antibodies with a blood sample.

The fourth generation HIV test, also called an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test, is a more complete screening that can identify acute HIV. This is the time when the virus is multiplying rapidly and you’re more likely to pass the infection.

In the first few weeks after exposure to HIV, your body produces an antigen known as p24. This protein is only present in people who have acute HIV infection. It triggers your immune system to respond.

The fourth generation tests require a blood sample that’s sent to a lab for testing. Blood testing done by a lab is the most accurate type of test.

This test looks for HIV infection in your blood or saliva.

HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. About 1 in 5 people who are infected with HIV don't know it because they may not have symptoms. HIV comes in 2 forms:

• HIV-1. This type is found worldwide.

• HIV-2. This type is mainly found in western Africa. But it has spread to the U.S.

This test is one of several tests that look for HIV infection. Some tests take a few days for results to come back. Rapid HIV tests can give your results in about 20 minutes. Getting an early diagnosis of HIV is important because you can start treatment early and also take steps to keep from spreading the virus to others.

- To determine whether you have human leukocyte antigen B27 (HLA-B27) on the surface of your cells

- To help assess the likelihood that you have an autoimmune disorder associated with the presence of HLA-B27.

- Autoimmune disorders occur when the immune system mistakenly targets the body’s own cells and tissues.

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The HLA-B27 test is primarily ordered to help strengthen or confirm a suspected diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), reactive arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), or sometimes anterior uveitis. The HLA-B27 test is not diagnostic; that is, it is not a definitive test that can be used to diagnose or rule out a disorder. The result adds information and is one piece of evidence used along with the evaluation of signs, symptoms, and other laboratory tests to support or rule out the diagnosis of certain autoimmune disorders, such as ankylosing spondylitis and reactive arthritis.

The HLA-B27 test may be ordered as part of a group of tests used to help diagnose and evaluate conditions causing arthritis-like chronic joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation. This group of tests may include a rheumatoid factor (RF) with either an erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) or a C-reactive protein (CRP). HLA-B27 is sometimes ordered to help evaluate someone with recurrent uveitis that is not caused by a recognizable disease process.

HMW (high molecular weight) glutenin is a protein component found in wheat gluten. Gluten is a mixture of proteins found in wheat, barley, and rye that provides the elasticity and texture in dough and other baked goods.

The gluten proteins can be divided into two main groups: the gliadins and the glutenins. The glutenins can be further divided into the low molecular weight (LMW) glutenins and the high molecular weight (HMW) glutenins.

Holotranscobalamin (HoloTC) is the bioactive form of vitamin B12 circulating in the body. It is the only form that can be readily absorbed and utilized by cells, making it an essential marker for determining vitamin B12 levels. Unlike serum B12, which reflects both active and inactive forms, HoloTC offers a more accurate and sensitive measure of B12 status. This makes it a critical tool for detecting early vitamin B12 deficiency, especially when used alongside other markers such as methylmalonic acid (MMA) and homocysteine.

The marker HOMA-B (Homeostatic Model Assessment for Beta-cell Function) is an important clinical tool used for assessing the function of beta cells in the pancreas. Beta cells play a crucial role in the body's glucose metabolism by producing and secreting insulin, the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. HOMA-B is calculated based on fasting blood glucose and fasting insulin levels, providing an estimate of beta-cell function.

HOMA-IR stands for "Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance".

The meaningful part of the acronym is “insulin resistance”. It marks for both the presence and extent of any insulin resistance that you might currently express. It is a terrific way to reveal the dynamic between your baseline (fasting) blood sugar and the responsive hormone insulin.

- Less than 1 means you are insulin-sensitive (Optiomal)

- Greater than 1.9 indicates early insulin resistance.

- Greater than 2.9 indicates significant insulin resistance.

Insulin, a hormone secreted by your pancreas, helps the body use glucose for fuel. When the body becomes insulin resistant, the pancreas will increase its production of insulin to compensate, but increased levels of insulin can damage your overall health and make it very difficult to lose weight.

If insulin resistance is left untreated, it can lead to the development of pre-diabetes, Type 2 diabetes mellitus or other metabolic conditions, like heart disease and fatty liver disease.

Why take the HOMA-IR test?

When insulin resistance is identified early, it can be reversed. Using the HOMA-IR to identify subtle insulin resistance, even before it is evident in more traditional screening measures like hemoglobin HA1c (HA1c) and fasting blood sugar.

The HOMA-IR tool is a validated, non-invasive tool to assess the relationship between glucose and insulin. If elevated, it can guide you to make diet and lifestyle changes that will bring your HOMA-IR score down into the insulin-sensitive range, lose weight, and improve your health.

HOMA-IR and CVD:

HOMA-IR is an independent predictor of CVD in type 2 diabetes. The improvement of insulin resistance might have beneficial effects not only on glucose control but also on CVD in patients with type 2 diabetes.

What is the HOMA-S test?

The HOMA-S test is a quanatitative insulin sensitivity check index/homeostasis model assessment for insulin sensitivity.

The HOMA-S test is a valuable tool for predicting the risk of developing diabetes and other metabolic conditions by assessing insulin sensitivity. It can help individuals take proactive measures to prevent the onset of diabetes or manage their condition effectively if diagnosed early.

Homocitrulline is a marker that may indicate how much protein carbamoylation is happening in the body. Protein carbamoylation is a process where isocyanate reacts with the amino acid lysine, resulting in the formation of homocitrulline. This modification is thought to contribute to molecular aging and is linked to various health issues, including atherosclerosis (a condition where arteries become narrowed) and problems with the immune system.

Research has shown that patients with chronic kidney disease tend to have higher levels of homocitrulline, and these levels are positively related to urea concentration, which is a waste product that builds up when the kidneys are not functioning properly.

Additionally, individuals with coronary artery disease also exhibit significantly elevated serum homocitrulline levels. This suggests that measuring homocitrulline can provide valuable insights into certain health conditions and the overall metabolic state of a person.

The amino acid homocitrulline is a metabolite of ornithine in human metabolism.

The amino acid can be detected in larger amounts in the urine of individuals with urea cycle disorders. Both amino acids can be detected in urine. Amino acid analysis allows for the quantitative analysis of these amino acid metabolites in biological fluids such as urine, blood, plasma or proteins.

The amino acid homocitrulline is a metabolite of ornithine in human metabolism.

The amino acid can be detected in larger amounts in the urine of individuals with urea cycle disorders. Both amino acids can be detected in urine. Amino acid analysis allows for the quantitative analysis of these amino acid metabolites in biological fluids such as urine, blood, plasma or proteins.

- Homocysteine is often used as an indicator of methylation status

- Clinicians aim for optimal: 2-10μmol/L

- Homocysteine must be recycled back into methionine

- Homocysteine is often used as an indicator of methylation status

- Clinicians aim for optimal: 2-10μmol/L

- Homocysteine must be recycled back into methionine