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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.
Most third gen antibody tests give accurate results 6-8 weeks post exposure. The CDC is just being conservative. 3 months is the CDC benchmark. However, third gen tests are much more sensitive now.
I have seen this said but even find conflicting statements from the CDC in terms of absolute (at least as absolute as a medical test can be) as 6 months for those always on my mind "rare" 3%'ers. Any thoughts or information concerning hiv rna qualitative testing accuracy and window periods? Have read this test is full proof, but expensive.
Hi there.
The info you have read is out of date, there is no 3%.
If you have had a risk, take a duo 4th generation test any time from 28 days for a concussive result.
Please keep in mind that the web is full of out of date info.
Bet wishes
James
The info you have read is out of date, there is no 3%.
If you have had a risk, take a duo 4th generation test any time from 28 days for a concussive result.
Please keep in mind that the web is full of out of date info.
Bet wishes
James
the major problem with online , is that u are not sure if the information u are u look seeking is new or old paper
yes site on internet state 3 and 6 month and one year , but u need to understand try to figure it out weathers its new or old paper ,,report could be of any date ... but now the window period had improves .... 4 weeks is consider conclusive... 6 weeks test are conclusive and 6-8 weeks is more then any thing u needed ....
yes site on internet state 3 and 6 month and one year , but u need to understand try to figure it out weathers its new or old paper ,,report could be of any date ... but now the window period had improves .... 4 weeks is consider conclusive... 6 weeks test are conclusive and 6-8 weeks is more then any thing u needed ....
The CDC still says 6 months for absolute assurance regardless of what anyone here says. The phone operator said it today based on what he was reading from CDC. The same information online coincidentally. AidsVancouver says 3 months, except in very rare cases, which means 3 months is good for most everyone. But not everyone. Not trying to argue, just trying to verify the source of assurance that so many here use to advise with such confidence. I understand odds and percentages, but really like to be sure in life and death matters, which despite what we believe about conclusive testing windows, hiv most certainly is. U mess up 1% you can really screw someone up.
The one thing that is missing here is what your exposure was? Good chance your worrying about your ABSOLUTES for no good reason.
The rare 3%ers as you call them that don't show positive out to 6 months are people with NO OR VERY LITTLE immune systems.
Examples would be transplant recipients taking anti-rejection drugs, people with advanced stage cancer on chemotherapy.
I'm betting you are NOT among any of those types of people.
Examples would be transplant recipients taking anti-rejection drugs, people with advanced stage cancer on chemotherapy.
I'm betting you are NOT among any of those types of people.
That is a good point Jcc and appreciated. Going for a 10.5 week rapid antibody today...nerve wracking. Have a confirmatory test scheduled for day 88. Going to do my best to consider it conclusive if all negative. Thanks for bearing with me. Be well.
The CDC has updated its guidelines. Basically, if you test negative on a DUO (not a rapid test), at 4 weeks post exposure, then no further follow up testing is required. That's considered conclusive.
The rest of the tests (antibody, etc) are conclusive at THREE months, not SIX. Six is outdated info, and remember that the people who man the phone at the CDC are reading from a script they're given, as to how to answer questions.
With the newer sensitive tests, no one needs to test past 3 months...even those with severely compromised immune systems (as listed above). Three months is MORE than enough time for anyone to produce detectable antibodies.
Not sure what you mean by a "confirmatory" test. The only time that's necessary is if you test positive.
Lastly, to comment on this statement of yours...
"Not trying to argue, just trying to verify the source of assurance that so many here use to advise with such confidence. I understand odds and percentages, but really like to be sure in life and death matters, which despite what we believe about conclusive testing windows, hiv most certainly is. U mess up 1% you can really screw someone up."
We are not responsible for a person's health, or their decisions. The advice given here is for informational purposes, and it should never be used as a substitution for IN PERSON health care. If a person is using ANY kind of info they found on the internet as their source of health care, that's on them.
Again, 6 months is very much outdated. You don't need to test beyond three months, but you do as you please. Most likely, you didn't have a risk to begin with....most people don't.
The rest of the tests (antibody, etc) are conclusive at THREE months, not SIX. Six is outdated info, and remember that the people who man the phone at the CDC are reading from a script they're given, as to how to answer questions.
With the newer sensitive tests, no one needs to test past 3 months...even those with severely compromised immune systems (as listed above). Three months is MORE than enough time for anyone to produce detectable antibodies.
Not sure what you mean by a "confirmatory" test. The only time that's necessary is if you test positive.
Lastly, to comment on this statement of yours...
"Not trying to argue, just trying to verify the source of assurance that so many here use to advise with such confidence. I understand odds and percentages, but really like to be sure in life and death matters, which despite what we believe about conclusive testing windows, hiv most certainly is. U mess up 1% you can really screw someone up."
We are not responsible for a person's health, or their decisions. The advice given here is for informational purposes, and it should never be used as a substitution for IN PERSON health care. If a person is using ANY kind of info they found on the internet as their source of health care, that's on them.
Again, 6 months is very much outdated. You don't need to test beyond three months, but you do as you please. Most likely, you didn't have a risk to begin with....most people don't.
Forgot to post the link to the new CDC testing guideline chart:
http://www.cdc.gov/nchhstp/newsroom/docs/2014/HIV-testing-Labs-Flowchart.pdf
http://www.cdc.gov/nchhstp/newsroom/docs/2014/HIV-testing-Labs-Flowchart.pdf
It's been 68 days ( 9 weeks) for me and the rapid rest showed negative. However that I still feel sick makes me scared and I can't wait for 90 days.
You think rapid test as confirmatory is ok or I should make a full one when they send blood to the lab.
You think rapid test as confirmatory is ok or I should make a full one when they send blood to the lab.
I apologize if it seemed as if I was saying anyone here is being irresponsible in the advice that they give. Was not what I intended to imply. The statement I was making, which I think may have been misinterpreted, was that I need to be 100% sure. The 1% mess up would be mine, not any of the folks kind enough to take their time to answer questions. I know nothing is 100% in medical testing. Just trying to wrap my head around all of this.
That link is to an updated testing algorithm for use by lab personnel and medical folks when using and interpreting the newer tests. There is nothing there that indicates a reduced testing window recommendation. The negative result indicated would mean that the tests did not detect antibodies, not that no further testing is necessary to rule out an individual within the dreaded window period. This does not indicate a change in the CDC's stance on when hiv testing can be considered definitive.
I have to ask again. What was your exposure you are worried about? You never have told anyone.
My exposure was semen directly into my eye. A risk with a possible chance of exposure of anywhere from .09% to, according to EWH of not as high as unprotected anal but probably higher than unprotected vaginal if the partner is known positive. I have seen it stated as merely a theoretical risk, with no known transmissions via this route to Dr Sean Cummings from Freedomhealth saying he has had a few patients suspected to have contracted HIV via this route.
See where a person could get frustrated trying to sort all of this out? 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months. No risk, slight risk, higher risk than vaginal. Never happened that we know of to a doctor treating hiv at a busy clinic saying he has probably seen it. All of it seems speculation. Just trying to make the most informed decisions.
Btw, my 10.5 week rapid antibody bloodtest was negative. So far so good.
A duo test is a fourth generation test as far as I can tell from what I have read.
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
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