I have read on CE marked Insti(TM) HIV test users leaflet that its use has not been validated for HIV strains O and N. But ofcourse it has been validated for HIV1 and HIV 2 and other strains.
The test detects all of them, but it does not differentiate the subtypes. Subtypes M,O and N are HIV 1, and subtypes A to G are HIV 2. This means that the instant test would detect all HIV1 and 2 viruses.
Best wishes,
Jose
With due respect, I do not agree that HIV types A-G are of HIV 2. In fact, the sub types A-G and even more are called non B subtypes which still belong to HIV1. I think the customers should know the correct facts and even the Biolytical as the manufacturer of Insti(TM) HIV test has clearly stated that its use has not been validated for checking HIV sub types O and N. There is no doubt that INSTI(TM) is a very reliable HIV test and does check for most HIV1 and HIV 2 antibodies, but the manufacturer has itself mentioned its limitation as it has not been validated for O and N strains, however one study has shown that it detected 21 out of 22 HIV 1 O strain, still the manufacturer has not included it in their official information.
I do understand that O strain is not common in the UK and N strain is a very rare strain, but I wanted to discuss it so that the patients should know every thing correctly. I will leave it upto you if you want to publish my post.
Hello. We're happy to publish your post. Thanks for the correction.
I agree with the statements you have expressed. For clarity, Group M is the dominant circulating HIV - 1 group. It is divided into subtypes and then again into sub-subtypes. Included to date are subgroups A to K with associated sub divisions into the sub-subtypes mentioned above. Groups N (which refers to non M non O) and O (outlier) are very much less common.
Thanks for your assistance and please feel free to correct /complement the Forum as we go on. It is difficult to balance a text book with a pragmatic patient orientated line sometimes. Best regards, Séan
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