All Tests›HIV Confirmatory Test
Mascot Healthcare · Akoka, Lagos

HIV
Confirmatory
Testing

Unigold · JAK-STAT · ELISA · Rapid Screening & Confirmation

HIV testing is a multi-step process. A reactive rapid test is not a final diagnosis — it requires confirmation using specialised methods. Our confirmatory testing includes Unigold (rapid differentiation), JAK-STAT (advanced immunoassay), and ELISA (laboratory gold standard). We ensure accuracy, confidentiality, and expert counselling at every stage.

Book Your Test Learn More
24-48 hrs
Confirmatory
Results
3
Confirmatory
Methods
Free
Counselling
Included
HIV Confirmatory Test
Unigold & JAK-STAT
Negative
No HIV antibodies or antigens detected
Negative ✓
Methods
Unigold · JAK-STAT · ELISA
About Confirmatory Testing

From Screening to Definitive Diagnosis

HIV diagnosis follows a strict algorithm to eliminate false positives. A reactive rapid screening test is always confirmed with a second, more specific method. Confirmatory testing is essential before any positive diagnosis is communicated to the patient. We use three complementary confirmatory methods to ensure absolute accuracy.

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Unigold HIV Confirmatory Test
Unigold is a rapid, point-of-care confirmatory test that differentiates between HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies. It is used as a second-line confirmatory method after a reactive rapid screening test. Results are available within 20–30 minutes. Unigold is highly specific and reduces the need for laboratory-based confirmation in many cases, allowing faster resolution of indeterminate results.
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JAK-STAT HIV Assay
JAK-STAT is an advanced immunoassay platform for HIV confirmation. It detects both HIV antibodies and p24 antigen, enabling earlier detection than antibody-only tests. The JAK-STAT method is highly sensitive, reducing the window period significantly. It is used as a third-line confirmatory test or when clinical suspicion is high despite negative rapid tests. Results are typically available within 24 hours.
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ELISA — Laboratory Gold Standard
ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) remains the benchmark for HIV confirmation in Nigeria and internationally. It is the most widely accepted method for employment, travel, and institutional documentation. ELISA detects HIV antibodies with extremely high sensitivity and specificity. Results are available in 24–48 hours through our referral laboratory network. It is the final step in the confirmatory algorithm.
Confirmatory Testing Process

Understanding the HIV Confirmatory Algorithm

01
Step 1: Rapid Screening Test (First Response)
This is your first test — a rapid antibody test using a finger-prick blood sample. If the result is non-reactive (negative), you will be informed immediately. If reactive (positive), we do not report it as a positive diagnosis. Instead, we proceed to confirmatory testing. This process prevents unnecessary anxiety from false positives.
02
Step 2: Unigold Confirmatory Test
Unigold is the first confirmatory test performed on a reactive sample. It uses a different antigen preparation from the screening test, reducing the chance of cross-reaction. Unigold can differentiate between HIV-1 and HIV-2 — important for treatment planning. A non-reactive Unigold result rules out HIV infection with high confidence.
03
Step 3: JAK-STAT or ELISA Confirmation
If Unigold is also reactive, we proceed to JAK-STAT or ELISA. These are the final confirmatory methods. JAK-STAT detects p24 antigen in addition to antibodies, catching early infections. ELISA is the gold standard with the highest specificity. A positive result from either method confirms HIV infection. A negative result means the initial reactive test was a false positive.
04
Step 4: Post-Test Counselling & Result Delivery
Regardless of the final result, you receive comprehensive post-test counselling. If negative: we discuss prevention, retesting intervals, and risk reduction. If positive: we deliver the result with care, explain what it means, and provide immediate referral to antiretroviral therapy (ART) services. You are never left alone with a positive result.
05
Step 5: Documentation & Referral
If you need a documented HIV test result for employment, travel, or medical records, we issue a signed laboratory report. If positive, we connect you with treatment centres and support groups — HIV is a manageable condition with modern ART, and we ensure you have access to the care you need.
HIV Confirmatory Methods Comparison
Unigold (Rapid Confirmatory)
Results in 20-30 min
JAK-STAT (Immunoassay)
Results in 24 hours
ELISA (Lab Gold Standard)
Results in 24-48 hours
Sensitivity & Specificity
>99% for all methods

⚕️ The confirmatory algorithm ensures zero false positives. A final positive diagnosis is only made after at least two confirmatory tests agree. This protects you from the emotional distress of a false positive result.

Preparation for Confirmatory Testing

What to Expect During Confirmatory Testing

Confirmatory testing requires a blood sample — slightly more than a finger prick — but no special preparation is needed.

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Venous Blood Sample
Confirmatory tests require a venous blood draw (from the arm), not just a finger prick. This provides enough sample for Unigold, JAK-STAT, and ELISA if needed. The process takes less than 5 minutes and is performed by our experienced phlebotomists.
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No Fasting Required
You do not need to fast or change your diet before confirmatory HIV testing. Eat normally, take your medications, and stay hydrated. The only requirement is to inform us of any anticoagulant medications you are taking.
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Documentation & Consent
Confirmatory testing requires informed consent. We explain the process, potential outcomes, and your rights before proceeding. You will sign a consent form confirming you understand the testing algorithm. Your sample is labelled with a unique code — your identity remains protected throughout.
Why Confirmatory Testing Matters

Accurate HIV Diagnosis You Can Trust

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Zero False Positives — Confirmatory Algorithm
A single reactive rapid test is not a diagnosis. Our confirmatory algorithm uses Unigold, JAK-STAT, or ELISA — each with different antigen targets — to ensure the result is correct. You never receive a false positive diagnosis. Period.
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HIV-1 and HIV-2 Differentiation
Unigold and JAK-STAT differentiate between HIV-1 and HIV-2. This is important because treatment and monitoring differ between the two types. You receive a precise diagnosis, not a generic "positive" result.
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Rapid Turnaround — Results Within 24-48 Hours
Confirmatory testing doesn't mean waiting weeks. Unigold results are available within 30 minutes. JAK-STAT within 24 hours. ELISA within 48 hours. You get certainty quickly — without unnecessary delay.
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Documented Results for All Purposes
We provide official, signed laboratory reports acceptable for employment, travel, visa applications, hospital admissions, and insurance purposes. Your result is documented professionally and confidentially.
"My rapid test came back reactive at another clinic. I was terrified. Mascot Healthcare explained the confirmatory algorithm — Unigold, then JAK-STAT. Within 24 hours, both were negative. It was a false positive. I am so grateful they took the time to confirm properly before telling me I was positive."
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Anonymous
Patient, Shomolu · 2026
4.9★
Patient Rating
100%
Accurate Results
12-24 hrs
Turnaround Time
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Book your appointment ahead. Located at 52 Sholanke Street, Off Chemist Junction, Akoka, Lagos.

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Completely confidential  ·  Rapid screening in 30 minutes  ·  Confirmatory results in 24-48 hrs  ·  By appointment only