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hiv testing window
Here goes. I have seen it posted here that the CDC says 3 months for an hiv antibody test conclusiveness. The manufacturers of the tests also make this claim according to posts here. I cannot corroborate these claims anywhere. Very frustrated and trying to get answers or links to source materials for these claims. Thanks.
Hey Morgan.
I discovered the following on the CDC's website for Hiv testing. I think the tab was "What does my negative result mean?" Or something like that. "For antibody tests, if you get a negative result within 3 months of your most recent possible exposure, you need to get tested again at the 3-month mark." On the same page under another tab it does give the 97% will test positive if infected if tested at 3 months after exposure with some people very rarely taking 6 months to test positive if infected. Guess we just have to decide what to do with the info.
I discovered the following on the CDC's website for Hiv testing. I think the tab was "What does my negative result mean?" Or something like that. "For antibody tests, if you get a negative result within 3 months of your most recent possible exposure, you need to get tested again at the 3-month mark." On the same page under another tab it does give the 97% will test positive if infected if tested at 3 months after exposure with some people very rarely taking 6 months to test positive if infected. Guess we just have to decide what to do with the info.
Hi Nursegirl,
I know that the overwhelming majority of medical experts agree that a 4th generation test is highly accurate at 4 weeks, with many saying it is conclusive. I know that UK and US guidelines for re-testing at 3 months to definitively exclude infection is regarded as ultraconservative and almost a needless over precaution by many in the field.
You have mentioned that the CDC has recently updated its guidelines to say the 4th generation test is conclusive at 4 weeks. I have studied the guidelines in the link you posted - http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/pdf/HIVtestingAlgorithmRecommendation-Final.pdf
I cannot find anywhere where it states this, in fact I can't even find information in these giudelines on window periods at all, even for 3 months.
I know that the overwhelming majority of medical experts agree that a 4th generation test is highly accurate at 4 weeks, with many saying it is conclusive. I know that UK and US guidelines for re-testing at 3 months to definitively exclude infection is regarded as ultraconservative and almost a needless over precaution by many in the field.
You have mentioned that the CDC has recently updated its guidelines to say the 4th generation test is conclusive at 4 weeks. I have studied the guidelines in the link you posted - http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/pdf/HIVtestingAlgorithmRecommendation-Final.pdf
I cannot find anywhere where it states this, in fact I can't even find information in these giudelines on window periods at all, even for 3 months.
Mate..
You have had EXCPETIONAL advice above. Nursegirl summarised perfectly the situation with testing.
Put it this way, if a benchmark for a test is 12 weeks, it does not mean that at 11wks 6 days someone would be Negative only to turn positive the day after.
The new 4th generation Duo tests look for the antibody (our bodies reaction to an infection) and also a key component of the virus, namely the Antigen.
There is no way in a month of Sunday's your test will turn positive, I would put my house on it.
It's now time to move on and forget all about this, always use a condom for vaginal / anal sex and you will not have a worry from a sexual point if view of catching HIV.
Best Wishes
James
You have had EXCPETIONAL advice above. Nursegirl summarised perfectly the situation with testing.
Put it this way, if a benchmark for a test is 12 weeks, it does not mean that at 11wks 6 days someone would be Negative only to turn positive the day after.
The new 4th generation Duo tests look for the antibody (our bodies reaction to an infection) and also a key component of the virus, namely the Antigen.
There is no way in a month of Sunday's your test will turn positive, I would put my house on it.
It's now time to move on and forget all about this, always use a condom for vaginal / anal sex and you will not have a worry from a sexual point if view of catching HIV.
Best Wishes
James
A duo test is a fourth generation test as far as I can tell from what I have read.
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