Do blood banks test the blood for Early HIV screen test?

During the acute period of infection, tests for p24 antigen can detect HIV infection earlier than antibody tests. P24 antigen, the core structural protein of HIV, is detectable 2鈥? weeks after HIV infection during the initial burst of virus replication associated with high levels of viremia. During this time, the blood of infected persons is highly infectious, and tests for p24 antigen are usually positive. On average, p24 antigen is detected an estimated 6 days before antibody tests become positive. When antibodies to HIV become detectable, p24 antigen is often no longer detectable because of antigen-antibody complexing and viral clearance.

yes

Yes. But consider this: HIV can take up to SIX MONTHS to show in a person's blood and that is far beyond the safe storage time that blood can be kept. There are so many diseases that are carried in blood. Also, as soon as it is taken from the person who is the donor, it is no longer receiving oxygen and begins to rot. Think about it.

There is a test called a PCR which can detect antigens of the virus shortly after exposure. Since this test is so expensive, I do not believe it is used by blood banks. I believe blood banks still use the antibody test.

The red cross screens donor blood very thoroughly for all types of diseases and illnesses. They do what is called a "western-blot" test on the blood and blood products. This test will detect exposure to HIV, AIDS, HTLV (a.k.a Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus), and other diseases to name just a few. I hope that this helps in answering your question. The best of luck to you.