🧪 What is HIV Rapid Card Test?

The HIV Rapid Card Test is a point-of-care screening test used to quickly detect antibodies (and in some kits, antigens) to HIV-1 and HIV-2 from blood, serum, or plasma—typically within 15–30 minutes.

• It is a qualitative lateral flow immunoassay.
• Often used in emergency, remote, field, or resource-limited settings.
• Some kits may detect only antibodies, while newer ones also include p24 antigen (4th generation).

❓ Why is the Test Done?

To:

• Provide rapid HIV screening results in outpatient or outreach settings
• Conduct antenatal, surgical, or blood donor screening
• Offer quick risk assessment after accidental exposure (e.g., needlestick injuries)
• Reach hard-to-access populations in community testing drives

📊 Normal Range / Interpretation

⚠️ Window period: It may take 2–12 weeks after exposure for antibodies to develop. Early testing might give false negatives.

📈 Interpretation Notes

• Reactive result: Considered preliminary positive – confirm with ELISA, Western Blot, or HIV RNA PCR
• Negative result + high-risk exposure: Retest after 3–4 weeks, and again at 3 months
• High-risk populations: Require follow-up testing regardless of rapid test results

🧠 Associated Organs & Conditions

🔄 Related / Follow-Up Tests

• 4th Gen HIV ELISA (Ag/Ab Combo) – Screening with better sensitivity
• HIV-1/2 Differentiation Immunoassay – Distinguishes type 1 and 2
• HIV RNA PCR (Viral Load) – Confirms infection, monitors treatment
• CD4 Count – Monitors immune status
• HIV Drug Resistance Genotyping – Before starting ART
• STD Screening Panel – Syphilis, HCV, HBV, etc.

✅ Fasting Required?

📝 Summary Table

Let me know if you'd like:

• A visual flowchart of HIV diagnosis using Rapid Test + ELISA + PCR
• A comparison chart of HIV test types (Rapid vs ELISA vs Western Blot vs PCR)
• A counseling guide for individuals undergoing HIV rapid testing

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