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Impact of Hep C on HIV Seroconversion / Window Period
I have a question about HIV and Hepatitis C coinfection. I am finding conflicting information on the internet regarding whether coinfection would delay HIV seroconversion. Several sites and articles are stating that it would, but they all cite a 1997 journal article about health care workers with delayed seroconversion. I wasn’t sure if other factors may have contributed to late seroconversion in these health care workers (such as PEP). Further, since this article is rather old, I was wondering if the newer tests would pick up HIV antibodies regardless of HCV coinfection. I am planning to test for HIV using the OraQuick Advance Rapid 1/2 test offered by my local health department. I am wondering how long after exposure I need to wait in order for my test to provide a conclusive result and rule out HIV infection. My “exposure” is that I’m concerned a needle was reused on me when my blood was drawn at a local lab (patient service center of a national lab company). I know that you (and many others) will state that needles are not reused, but I am planning to test for my own piece of mind. Assuming the worst case scenario that I was exposed to HIV and HCV at the same time through a contaminated needle, when would the OraQuick test provide a conclusive result and would HCV infection affect the HIV window period/seroconversion in any way? Thank you very much for your time.
I won't indulge you're paranoia any more than to say, test at 13 weeks post exposure in the absense of PEP. You will have a conclusive result.
I asked a Virologist yesterday about Hep HIV Co-infection. She said it was nonsense to suggest a delay, Hep co-infection will not slow HIV antibody production or seroconversion.
3 months is conclusive for a negative.
UK's BASHH adds on 2 weeks for oral tests and non-whole-blood tests to it's 12 week guideline for all the UK.
Your health department would be able to tell you the window period for your jurisdiction but 3 months is pretty universal.
3 months is conclusive for a negative.
UK's BASHH adds on 2 weeks for oral tests and non-whole-blood tests to it's 12 week guideline for all the UK.
Your health department would be able to tell you the window period for your jurisdiction but 3 months is pretty universal.
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