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home access test and weather
Hi Doctor,
I wanted a second opinion on this question---i have checked on the free forum. I took the Home Access HIV test at 11 weeks (78 days) after my last potential exposure. I had unprotected sex with a guy i was dating and later found out that he was a very promiscuous person. My results came back negative---and I felt pretty comfortable about it. My question is this: I completed the test on Monday night and took it to an outside Fedex drop off box. I didnt realize until Tuesday but I had already missed the last pick up time. That night, we had snow and the temperature was -7. Could the temperature have changed my test results or affected the blood sample in any way? Im worried about my package staying out in the cold for an extended period of time. I appreciate any insight on this! Thanks!
I wanted a second opinion on this question---i have checked on the free forum. I took the Home Access HIV test at 11 weeks (78 days) after my last potential exposure. I had unprotected sex with a guy i was dating and later found out that he was a very promiscuous person. My results came back negative---and I felt pretty comfortable about it. My question is this: I completed the test on Monday night and took it to an outside Fedex drop off box. I didnt realize until Tuesday but I had already missed the last pick up time. That night, we had snow and the temperature was -7. Could the temperature have changed my test results or affected the blood sample in any way? Im worried about my package staying out in the cold for an extended period of time. I appreciate any insight on this! Thanks!
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
One size doesn't fit all. For low risk situations (e.g., heterosexual exposures with partners not known to be infected), or for annual screening when the likelihood of infection is low, personal preference rules; Home Access or online/anonymous testing is fine. The higher the risk, the more important to see a knowledgeable provider in person, which is what I would recommend following unprotected exposure to an infected partner, for gay men with multiple anonymous partners, etc. But in both these circumstances, there are exceptions either way.
That should end this thread. Take care.
That should end this thread. Take care.
Thanks again for your time! ONE last question if I may, and then I promise I am done. I am not worried about my HIV status and dont plan on testing at this point again (not currently sexually active-no plans on it either!), but I just want to know if you would recommend the Home Access System to your patients in leiu of visitng their doctor? I have been getting tested for everything annually at my doctor but decided to try the test out this year. I prefer the HA test-----and plan to continue using this as my routine checkup if recommended by a doctor as good enough. :)
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Thanks for the thanks. Glad to have helped.
To my knowledge, delayed or false-negative HIV antibody test results have not been documented to occur with autoimmune diseases in general or the specific disorders you mention, and certainly not in family members of such persons. Autoimmune diseases generally reflect an overly senstive immune system, not one that is likely to have trouble producing antibody. The only real concern about delayed or false negative HIV antibody testing comes with overtly life-threatening conditions like terminal cancer and very potent chemotherapy or immunosuppressive drugs, and with rare disorders that prevent antibody production (which are themselves life-threatening). And even these concerns are primarily theoretical, with few if any actual reports that it happened -- and few such persons are likely to be at high risk of HIV anyway.
To my knowledge, delayed or false-negative HIV antibody test results have not been documented to occur with autoimmune diseases in general or the specific disorders you mention, and certainly not in family members of such persons. Autoimmune diseases generally reflect an overly senstive immune system, not one that is likely to have trouble producing antibody. The only real concern about delayed or false negative HIV antibody testing comes with overtly life-threatening conditions like terminal cancer and very potent chemotherapy or immunosuppressive drugs, and with rare disorders that prevent antibody production (which are themselves life-threatening). And even these concerns are primarily theoretical, with few if any actual reports that it happened -- and few such persons are likely to be at high risk of HIV anyway.
Also wanted to mention my cousin has Celiac. I appreciate insight on this! Thanks!
Doctor-----I would like your insight on one last question. What is your stance on autoimmune diseases and delayed seroconversion? My aunt has chrons and my brother had ulcerticolits. Ive never been tested for any A.D's-but i know my risk would be higher due to family history. If i did have an ad, would you still consider 11 weeks negative conclusive?
Dr. HHH--
Thanks so much for the response. I really appreciate your insight. I also appreciate you taking the time to read my original post and follow up with the testing time-I feel so much better! Thanks for putting my concerns to rest!
Thanks so much for the response. I really appreciate your insight. I also appreciate you taking the time to read my original post and follow up with the testing time-I feel so much better! Thanks for putting my concerns to rest!
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome to the HIV forum. You had accurate responses in the community forum: your negative test result is reliable. Here is why:
In the US, all diagnostic tests require approval by the Food and Drug Adminstration (FDA), which in turn requires test manufacturers and/or companies to demonstrate the tests' accuracy when used as designed, under "real world" conditions. For a home based test, this means collection at home and shipment of specimens to the lab under all anticipated circumstances -- i.e. despite delays in shipment, unusually hot or cold temperatures, and so on. In other words, the test would not be on the market at all if it were not stable, and the results reliable, in extreme cold, heat, prolonged delays in shipment, etc.
From the discussion on the community forum, it appears you also wonder whether you were tested too soon after your exposure. You were not. Although official information from many test manufacturers and various public health agencies recommends testing at 3 month (12-13 weeks), that's an overly conservative interval. In fact, antibody testing is reliable any time after 6-8 weeks. Here is a thread that explains this in more detail: http://www.medhelp.org/posts/HIV-Prevention/-A-Question-on-Testing/show/1347755
So the bottom line is that you can rely 100% on your negative HIV test result. You don't have it.
I hope this helps. Best wishes--- HHH, MD
In the US, all diagnostic tests require approval by the Food and Drug Adminstration (FDA), which in turn requires test manufacturers and/or companies to demonstrate the tests' accuracy when used as designed, under "real world" conditions. For a home based test, this means collection at home and shipment of specimens to the lab under all anticipated circumstances -- i.e. despite delays in shipment, unusually hot or cold temperatures, and so on. In other words, the test would not be on the market at all if it were not stable, and the results reliable, in extreme cold, heat, prolonged delays in shipment, etc.
From the discussion on the community forum, it appears you also wonder whether you were tested too soon after your exposure. You were not. Although official information from many test manufacturers and various public health agencies recommends testing at 3 month (12-13 weeks), that's an overly conservative interval. In fact, antibody testing is reliable any time after 6-8 weeks. Here is a thread that explains this in more detail: http://www.medhelp.org/posts/HIV-Prevention/-A-Question-on-Testing/show/1347755
So the bottom line is that you can rely 100% on your negative HIV test result. You don't have it.
I hope this helps. Best wishes--- HHH, MD
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