What should I know about HIV testing?
When thinking of getting tested for HIV, there are a few important things to consider:
Window Period: The HIV test is looking for antibodies, which are the body’s response to having HIV in it. For most people, it takes 6 weeks for the body to produce enough antibodies for a standard HIV antibody test to be accurate. Some people call this the "window period". The Massachusetts Department of Public Health recommends waiting 6 weeks between an individual's possible HIV exposure and the time they get tested, providing there are no risks within that time period. For a conclusive test result, it’s recommended to wait 3 months before getting tested.
Anonymous vs. Confidential Tests: An anonymous test does not require an individual to provide their name at the time of testing, while a confidential test does require a name. In either case, written consent from the patient is the only way the results will be released, and otherwise will be kept private. Doctor's offices use confidential testing while some private clinics and testing sites will still do anonymous HIV testing, although it is becoming increasingly difficult to find.
Standard vs. Rapid Testing: A standard HIV test refers to a blood draw, typically done at a doctor's office. Results are usually received within 5 to 10 business days. Rapid tests (sometimes referred to as OraQuick, OraQuick Advance, or Unigold) involve either a finger prick or a mouth swab. Results are given in about 30 minutes. See below for descriptions of different types of HIV-Antibody tests.
Cost: Depending on where you get tested, either insurance will cover the cost, pricing may be based on a sliding-scale which will depend on your income, or you may be able to get a free test.
For more information about testing, please call the AIDS Action Hotline at 800-235-2331.
Why do some sources advise waiting longer than 6 weeks for HIV testing?
Most people will test accurately for HIV after 6 weeks have passed since their last risk. In some cases where a person has a highly compromised immune system, such as those in which a person has recently undergone chemotherapy or an organ transplant, it may take 3-6 months for their body to develop enough antibodies to test positive.
These are very extreme situations, however, and other more common conditions such as colds or the flu, diabetes, asthma, and many others, will not affect the body's development of HIV antibodies in that way. Those who suggest window periods longer than 6 weeks are trying to account for all those who may also have compromised immune systems. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends waiting 3 months for a conclusive test result.
Source:http://www.aac.org/site/PageServer?pagename=basics_home
Teak and getitright I feel you both are correct from your point of view.However I feel getitright 4 weeks is too early I fell you should advise a 6 week for first test. and then followup on 12/13 weeks.No doubt 12/13 weeks is compulsory and conclusive.However 6-7 week gives a fairly accurate results for most of the people.
3 months post exposure is conclusive.
Dr. Jose Gonzalez-Garcia, MD, MBBS, LMS, MRCP(UK), MRCGP, PhD
However current "UK guidelines still recommend to have a final test at 12 weeks for it to be considered final and fully conclusive."
Yes,by 50 days almost all people will have detectable antibodies.Did you read the last sentence.It is almost always the case that a negative HIV DUO test at 28 days or more will be conclusive and not need repeating.Freedomhealth is one of the best STD and HIV clinics in the world.
I have read BHIVA guidelines it says this
source:
http://www.bhiva.org/documents/Guidelines/Testing/GlinesHIVTest08.pdf
page 13
"Although with fourth generation tests infection can be detected much earlier than previously(see section on primary screening assays), in very recent infection – when patients may be most symptomatic – the test may be negative. In this scenario, if PHI is suspected, either urgent referral to specialist services (GU clinic or HIV service) or a repeat test in seven days is recommended. HIV viral load testing can be used in this clinical setting, but it is recommended that this is only performed with specialist input."
Even freedomhealth.uk says this thing
"From the Freedomhealth point of view, using as described above the combined knowledge and experience of the team we regard the HIV DUO test as a conclusive HIV test at 28 days or beyond in almost all circumstances. In situations where a patient has had an exceptionally high level of HIV exposure and has symptoms which we might in our expert opinion regard as suggestive of an acute HIV infection, we will encourage the patient to re-test at an appropriate interval which we will decide with the patient. However, it is almost always the case that a negative HIV DUO test at 28 days or more will be conclusive and will not need repeating."
getitright my symptoms started on 29 days..nearly all symptoms,fever,night sweats ,headache,weightless...I tested again on Day 50 .My question is that is it enough days for the production of antibodies or I have tested early.
I think we all know that A DUO is highly reliable at 4 weeks and then a final test a 12 weeks just to make it all official.
Dr. Jose Gonzalez-Garcia, MD, MBBS, LMS, MRCP(UK), MRCGP, PhD
Dec 06, 2011 To: jjllmm
Hello,
Thank you very much for your post and welcome to our forum. I am afraid that it is going to be me answering your question, and not my colleague, Dr Sean.
It is certainly quite unfortunate that you had contracted herpes type 2 in this unprotected sexual encounter. The negative test that you had at 8 weeks is certainly highly reassuring and a very good indication as it is possible to detect the HIV antibodies already at that stage. However current "UK guidelines still recommend to have a final test at 12 weeks for it to be considered final and fully conclusive." Having said all that, and speaking out of my own clinical experience, I have never come across anyone testing negative at 8 weeks and then positive at 12 weeks. Therefore I am very confident that you are HIV negative.
Best wishes,