HIV test confusion

[sunny030186]

Hi All,

4th Gen ( HIV Ag/Ab) test done at 28 days post exposure will give conclusive results ? If yes , why hospitals are asking us to do the test in 3 months or 6 months?

[johnA55]

You got me confused , because i just did Test 28 from the day of the event and you say at the end of your post beyond. So what is the correct answer?

[Midnight_Sun]

Why are you asking people's opinion when the science is clear? The DUO test is considered conclusive at 28 days and beyond post exposure. The new standard was just announced this past summer, so it will take time for this news to get out. Second, HIV is so rare in many parts of the country and in the US in general (less than 1% of the population in infected - and these are mostly concentrated in a few geographic localities and in a certain demoraphic) that HIV is not the first thing on most health professionals minds. Further,  HIV treatment has advanced to the point that it no longer has the medical stigma it once did. Most medical professionals simply see it as a chronic, treatable condition. Lastly, when it comes to testing, even the current 3rd generation lab based HIV blood test will identify well over 90% of newly acquired HIV infections at 4 weeks. The DUO test actually beigins to identify this percentage at 14-18 days, but to ensure full 100%, it is advised to re-test at or beyond 28 days. I hope I didn't muddy the waters too much and this reply will help you put this testing issue into perspective.

[sunny030186]

Thanks man. I need to thanks Vance. Seriously anxiety is the big problem.  Even some times now I am scaring. But I believe it's my anxiety. I have sore throat now. That because I smoked a lot for last 10 days. I wish everyone should live long life.

[Sharkboy67]

I have to add that it is accepted by many experts and and HIV specialists, that 8 weeks is conclusive for modern 3rd Gen test.

[Sharkboy67]

In Europe they have been using the 4th Gen test for sometime and it is now accepted by the countries health agencies that 4 week's is conclusive for 4th Gen test. Only retest at 8 weeks if high exposure and accompanied by symptoms (latest BASHH recommendation).
In America they are only starting to be regularly used.
Like any new test or piece of new scientific knowledge, it takes people time to accept them. Once the 4th Gen tests completely replace the 3rd. 4 to 8 weeks will eventually replace 12 weeks as the official guidelines.
But it takes time.

[Anusherpess]

thx sunny ure awesome and i did some researches .. dr hunter and dr hook says 4 weeks is conclusive and cdc too and the p24 test in combo is 3 weeks conclusive

Good luck man ure aweomse :)