Urine sample

Urine collection is a non-invasive procedure and it is possible to perform HIV antibody tests on urine, but it is not possible to test for p24 antigen, determine subtype or viral type (HIV-1 or HIV-2), or measure viral load with urine samples.

Moreover, urine tests are not as sensitive or as specific as other available tests. For these reasons, urine tests are predominantly used in epidemiological studies, or as an alternative test for individuals unwilling to provide a blood sample.