Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

new CDC hiv testing guideline

Hello all,
According to "New CDC Recommendations for HIV Testing in Laboratories", using antibody+antigen tests can shortens the windows period up to 4 weeks. As this link: http://www.aidsmeds.com/articles/CDC_testing_protocol_1667_25832.shtml
http://www.cdc.gov/nchhstp/newsroom/2014/HIV-Testing-in-Laboratories-graphics.html
I tested negative after 30 days from a high risk exposure with a 4th generation hiv test and hiv 1 rna pcr test.
So according to the new guidelines, can I consider my test result conclusive?
20 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
What test is recommended after 3 months 6 months 5 years? Is that still 4th antigen or antibody?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
The FDA and testing manufactures say 3 months. Yes it can/is sooner but standard is 3 months.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
With great respect I disagree with you. Alias ​​, not only I , but also scientists .
Window period of three months for serological tests is only for rare cases of specific iminológica depression. Usually these people already have professional supervision and do not need the help of lay people , like me. Another factor that I noticed is the total disregard of the two comprovatórios studies that combined serological test with detection of p24 (direct protein of the virus ) shortens the wait window for a conclusive test . Be against this scientific evidence is the same as saying that there twice during the day , that is, if it's not day is night. This why? Why the test combi only detect specific anti bodies to HIV will detect the p24 (which is not unique to HIV ) . Bottom line: If you have the virus picks up this examination either indicator , and not surprising , is take two.
3 important factors for You guys think , Vance and Teak .
1 Before the development of the Nat test, blood banks used this test to be cheaper than separate tests of antibodies and HIV . In Brazil for example, only last year was introduced Nat test, and the 4th generation test used a long time . And here in this land of monkeys never had a virus hiv infection after the introduction of combi methodology.
2 It is necessary that you understand that a ds strategies to reduce the spread of the virus is faxer the largest number of HIV-positive people know of their infection early. This proved that who knows his HIV status early before it comes , live longer , avoid intercourse without condoms not continar someone sya and decreases viral load , reducing the contagion risks in an accidental espisódio .
3 No need to leave a human being for another 4 weeks in anguish of doubt contamination. Especially when the world duces the cintrário you. This is not prudence and sadism . I hope change their minds .
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Sorry that was from Freedom Health Dr Sean today.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
a negative HIV DUO test - 4th generation combined antibody and p24 antigen test at 28 days or more after an event will confirm that you are HIV negative. You then do not need further testing for it from the same episode. I understand the caution in France and I think that's all fine - the CDC has this summer changed its very long standing guidance and says quite clearly that if you have a negative DUO test at the 28 day mark - then you are negative and no more testing is needed. Our experience is as you describe

Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thx for the confirmation!
Helpful - 0
480448 tn?1426948538
"Was wondering how to interpret the part in the document that says that "no further testing is required for non reactive specimens".

Per the new guidelines, when a person has tested negative on a DUO (antibody/antigen) test, then no follow up testing is recommended.  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
It is up to the patient and Dr to decide if more tests are needed.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Correct!
Question:: Was wondering how to interpret the part in the document that says that "no further testing is required for non reactive specimens". By specimen I understand the blood sample not the patient per se right? So does it mean the patient may need to retest?

Btw, I am french and in France 4th gen tests have been recommended (if not warranted) as the preferred 1st line screening and diagnostic assay for years (since 2008). What's funny is that the only 2 4th gen tests that are FDA approved were CE-marked (i.e certified for the EU market) long ago. I guess the US so big that it takes time to implement such major changes.
Helpful - 0
480448 tn?1426948538
Here's a link to the new guidelines:

http://www.cdc.gov/nchhstp/newsroom/docs/2014/HIV-testing-Labs-Flowchart.pdf

The guidelines for standard antibody tests have not changed.  This new recommendation is based on using the newer 4th generation tests for early detection and diagnosis.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
"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." Six months? This is right? We talk about the new guideline..
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
The section "HIV basics/Testing/What does a negative result means?" on the CDC's web site says this :
"The window period depends on the kind of test that was used on your blood or oral fluid. 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. For RNA tests or antibody/antigen tests, that timeframe may be shorter. Ask your health care provider if and when you need to be retested with a negative test result."
So basically they do acknowledge that depending on the case a negative on a DUO at the right time i.e. post 4 weeks may not need any follow up. It is up to the health care provider to make the call, I believe according to the level of risk and condition of the patient.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Yes
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
So, HowardH to you think the new cdc guideline its clear for 4 week period?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
nursegirl and I are on the same page. The folks at CDC, and the consultants who advise them on their guidelines, are the nation's top HIV prevention experts. The new guidelines reflect the expert consensus in the United States.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
So what  the experts  of this website think regarding the new CDC guideline of about window period? Is there any consensus?
Helpful - 0
480448 tn?1426948538
I slightly disagree with Vance.

With the newer, more advanced tests, a 4 week negative with a DUO (not a rapid test) is not recommended to need a follow up test, which in other words, should be considered conclusive.  The expert docs have been saying the same thing for a few years now.  The ID docs I've worked with also recommend the same.

Keep in mind that the new protocols only shorten the testing period when certain tests (again, the DUO) are used.  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
No where does it say that a 4 week test is conclusive. This is a new recommendation to use the 4th generaton test as it can shorten the window period.

They are still not there to make this the standard.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Have you read it? It says no further testing is required for nonreactive samples.
Isn't it clear?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
No.
3 months is still the guideline.

What was your risk?
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the HIV Prevention Community

Top HIV Answerers
366749 tn?1544695265
Karachi, Pakistan
370181 tn?1595629445
Arlington, WA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
Can I get HIV from surfaces, like toilet seats?
Can you get HIV from casual contact, like hugging?
Frequency of HIV testing depends on your risk.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may help prevent HIV infection.