Please help - is this a accurate RAPID Duo Test??

[wickster630]

Hi Doctor,

I had unprotected sex with a Vietnamese prostitute 26 days ago.  I had a rapid HIV duo/combo test (P24 Ag/Ab test) at 15 days and 20 days and both were negative.  I have the following questions (I’m definitely REALLY anxious)

1. The clinic I went to in Singapore uses the Determine™ HIV-1/2 Ag/Ab Combo Test by Alere. It is a rapid test that takes only 20 minutes to get results. Have you heard of this test and what do you know about its i.e. accuracy, sensitivity etc?  I keep reading on the Internet that there are no rapid duo tests available but this seems to be one.  Is it new?  Reliable?

2. How accurate are my 15 and 20 day negative tests?  Would you recommend a 28 day test?  

3. If you think a 28 day test is needed, is the result final basis the above Alere rapid duo test?

4. I hear the rapid duo tests are not as sensitive as laboratory tests.  Is that true?  Should I be concerned?

Thanks a lot for your help.

[wickster630]

Thanks Dr.  I had my 28 day test using the RAPID DUO/COMBO test by Alere and it was negative.  Can I move on?  Any chance you can provide a little info on this type of test? I hear mixed reviews i.e. the antigen part isnt as sensitive as everyone though, true?  I also just saw Australia has approved the test for use.

Thanks

[Dr. Jose Gonzalez-Garcia, MD, MRCGP, PhD]

Hello,
Thank you fro your post.
As mentioned before, we do not use the test that you mention, but I am aware of it.  I am not sure about its level of accuracy and reliability, but I would imagine this to be quite high, at a similar level to the test that we routinely use in the UK.  I would still recommend a test after 28 days as the other negative tests are not conclusive at those time periods, even though as negative result are highly reassuring.
Kind regards,
Dr José