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expert forum difference

hey folks:

i’ve read in the expert forums that the doctors have changed their window period for fourth gen ag/ab testing from 28 to 42 days.  yet i’ve read here recently that at 28 days these tests are conclusive.

which is correct?

thank you!
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20620809 tn?1504362969
I don't really think they changed their window period.  Accurate results are considered to be obtained with a 4th generation duo test at 28 days at a rate of 97 to 99%.  They are highly unlikely to change between 28 and 42 days.  We tend to tell people here that 28 days is a good test result because it really is.  It's nearly 100 percent conclusive.  What was your personal risk?  
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my potential risk really isn’t one.  i had a syphilis blood test at a busy std clinic and never watched to endure a new needle was used.  clearly illogical fear but i’m afraid my only way to tackle this monkey is to test now 28 days later.  i was tested 5 months ago and had no other risks since then.  

the sticking point for me and others who have this fear is that a needle was used on my arm to draw blood.   aside from unprotected vaginal and anal sex which i have not had this needle in my arm was the only theoretical risk i’ve had.

if i do test using an alere determine rapid 4th gen ag/ab test which is a finger prick and does not involve a needle can i be sure at this point 28 days later?
You are absolutely right, your risk was not one with a fear of needles in clinics for tests.  
right.  intellectually i know that.

but if i do the rapid alere determine and its negative can i be 100% sure at 28 days?

if so i think it will allow me to forget this entirely though the doctors seem to say not conclusive until 6 weeks?
Since you didn't have a risk from the needle of your test and that is your concern, yes.  Yes anyway due to the above statements I made.  I would also talk to your doctor about anxiety.  
the mind is a funny place.  and yes to the doctor about anxiety.

i just wish i had not read in the expert doctor forums that they changed their window period for 4th generation duo tests from 4 to 6 weeks.  any idea why you guys differ on that?
Then do yourself a favor and stop reading off the internet about this subject.  If it creates more anxiety and in your case, unnecessary anxiety, then don't do it.

I just said we don't differ on it.  So, you are wanting to continue a conversation due to your anxiety that really doesn't need to be.

I hope your doctor is able to help you with anxiety.
you’re right.  you are both saying six weeks is 100% and 4 weeks is 97-99%.

but for me i don’t even need to take a test at all right?

again i think the mental block is the needle itself.  others have this fear too i think.  we try to avoid hiv risk and the needle becomes the boogey man.  

but last i checked std clinics are not in the business of infecting patients.  
You want to take a test because of the test you already took and a needle fear? Think about that.  Do yourself a favor and work hard to overcome anxiety through treatment for it.  I say that actually with a lot of compassion as I'm sure it is tiring to deal with your mind telling you irrational things. But you need to drop the HIV worry and move on.
i get it.  i really do.  thank you i feel the compassion.  it does all sound ludicrous.  crazy in fact.   knowing my mind i think the test will kill the fear.  hence my original question as to window period.  i am married and the fear of infecting her from having. a blood draw at a clinic...well you see the loop.  

i’ll work on it.  
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