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How is a positive self test result confirmed?

Hi,
Im from the UK. I recently did a self test for HIV which is CE approved. This result showed as reactive. I then did another one a few days later which was negative. Both of these tests were done about 16 weeks after my last exposure. I was told to go and get checked at a GUM clinic just to be on the safe side. So I went and they did a confirmatory blood test. I forgot to ask which type of blood test this was. I'm going to call them and ask, but I first wanted to know which type of blood test should they have done to confirm whether I am positive or negative?
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370181 tn?1595629445
NO! Your 4th generation duo test is CONCLUSIVE.  YOU DO NOT HAVE HIV.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi i just wanted to follow up, i got my test results back from the 4th generation blood test and they were negative. However whilst i was waiting for the results, i sent a picture of both rapid tests i had taken to the company i brought them from and they replied saying that they were both showing weak lines indicating two reactive results.
Do the two prior positive rapid tests make the results of the 4th generation test less valid?
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
Your 4th generation negative supercedes all other result. We discussed those were false positive or indeterminate and now it is proven.

If you are unable to accept your negative see a counselor. You don't have HIV.
188761 tn?1584567620
COMMUNITY LEADER
IV and V generation of HIV tests are very sensitive tests that detects Antibody and Antigen (P24) at the same time.

This test has been instrumental in reducing the window period to 4 week post exposure as compared to home testing kits that may require 12 week window to diagnose detectable amount of antibodies.

This test is at optimum on 28 days post exposure. However, when administered any time after that will also provide a definitive result. The reason this test reduces the window period is because of it's ability to detect p24 antigen in the subject's body that might usually peak between 10-14 days post infection. However, if there might be a slight delay in the sero-conversion, this ability will ensure antigen detection. If the body sero-converts normally, antibodies are almost always detected at 28 days.

In a nutshell, Curfew X has explained you, why this is the test you needed. I will reiterate, your result is probably going to be negative.



Helpful - 0
188761 tn?1584567620
COMMUNITY LEADER
It is not uncommon for home testing kits to yield a positive result since these kits can easily pick up antibodies that are not relevant to HIV.

This seems to be a clear case of false positive result. Negative result on your second test did validate the aforesaid.

I would suggest you to take it easy, you are going to be okay.
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
Thanks, I didn't know that, no one at the clinic mentioned that to me. Seeing as I've already had the test at the clinic done, I'll wait for those results anyway. Could you explain why 4th generation tests are used to confirm results of self tests?
Avatar universal
I forgot to mention that I think the test they have done is a 4th generation test and I am still waiting for my results. Is this the correct test to confirm a postive self test?
Helpful - 0
2 Comments
This is the correct first step.  If the 4th generation lab test, which looks for antigens and antibodies, is negative, there is no further action needed and you are negative for HIV.  If that test is positive, then a confirmatory test will be performed to check for the presence of the virus.
Ok thanks, I couldn't seem to find this information anywhere. I'll double check with the clinic that this is the test they did. Why is the 4th generation test used to confirm results of rapid/self tests?
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