4th generations tests are not used in the US. I don't know of any clinic that uses 2nd generation tests. They are all 3 generations. Most test don't even go by generations.
why these test are not used in US?
No benefits and not reliable.
Hi teak,
are you sure they are not reliable? do you mean no one shuld test with 4th generation test? then y it is used in UK , australia , India?
4th generation tests are not conclusive until 3 months post exposure no different than any other ELISA test. Look at the UK HIV testing guidelines. "Post-test discussion for individuals who test HIV negative" The need for a repeat HIV test if still within the window period after a specific exposure should be discussed. Although fourth generation tests shorten the time from exposure to seroconversion a repeat test at three months is still recommended to definitively exclude HIV infection.
thank you very much teak, for the answer.
Hello Teak, I have another testing question. Say the doc orders an antibody test with wb confirmation and a RNA quantitative test and the antibody test is negative but the RNA is reading a viral load. Do the labs automatically do a western blot? or no, because the elisa was negative.
Thanks.