Q: What does it mean by Fourth generation HIV test?


Answer:  Fourth-generation HIV test is a combination of HIV-1, HIV-2 antibodies and p24 antigen. Testing of p24 antigen has advantage of possible detection of HIV infection before antibodies are produced, closing the window in which test may come negative despite having infection. In many countries like UK they are recommended as a first-line assay. With this test you may not need to do western blot test.