does not matter what you feel about the cdc being conservative. THE GUIDELINE STANDS.
you will NOT get an argument on whether or not tests are more sensitive these days and can pick up infection earlier than in years past. that is called progress. what you are failing to understand is that the guideline HERE states 3 months post exposure.
you are free to make that choice for yourself. you can stop testing at 6 weeks, if YOU so desire...but that is NOT the guideline that is in place and we will NOT advise anyone differently.
Then I guess he better read the UK guidelines.
The information is completely accurate. You do not want to get out of the script.
For my part tego more to say. But this information can be checked easily and is the recommendation of the health authorities of a country pointer in HIV research.
It literally says:
" Compte-tenu de la performance des techniques actuellement disponibles sur le marché
européen, un résultat négatif du test de dépistage ELISA combiné 6 semaines après
l’exposition supposée pourra être considéré comme signant l’absence d’infection par le VIH.
En cas de traitement prophylactique post-exposition, le délai reste de 3 mois après l’arrêt du traitement."
Translated into English:
"Given the performance of technologies currently available on the market
European negative results of testing combined ELISA 6 weeks after
the expected exposure may be considered signing the absence of HIV infection.
In case of prophylactic post-exposure, the time remaining 3 months after stopping treatment."
BOTTOM LINE...
this is a U.S. based forum, and as such, we will follow the standards and testing guidelines set by the fda, cdc, and the manufacturers of the tests. until that guideline is modified...3 months is when one can obtain a conclusive test result.
MOVE ON. The information you posted was incorrect.
Well educated in HIV medical director of the clinic Freedomhealt of London and member of International Medhelp, Dr. Sean Cummings. In his clinic and in their forum, a test DUO 4th generation is conclusive at 4 weeks.
You should also advise the French health authorities that must be wrong because they believe the same litmus test at 6 weeks.
http://www.has-sante.fr/portail/upload/docs/application/pdf/2009-10/synthese_depistage_vih_volet_2_vfv_2009-10-21_16-48-3_460.pdf.
Page 32.
http://www.health.vic.gov.au/ideas/diseases/sti_hiv_questions
US - http://www.cdc.gov/nchstp/od/gap/pmtct/Trainer%20Manual/Adobe/Module_6TM.pdf
Page 11
Number 4
UK - http://www.bhiva.org/documents/Guidelines/Testing/GlinesHIVTest08.pdf
The need for a repeat HIV test if still within the window period after a specific exposure should be discussed. Although fourth generation tests shorten the time from exposure to seroconversion a repeat test at three months is still recommended to definitively exclude HIV infection.
nPEP - http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0CYD/is_4_40/ai_n12416123/
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-issued guidelines call for a 28-day course of a three-drug regimen of highly active antiretroviral therapy, but only if a high-risk exposure occurred with-in 72 hours of treatment initiation (MMWR 2005;54[RR02]:1-20).
The guidelines define high-risk exposures as those that occur through unprotected sex, condom breakage or slippage, sexual assault, the sharing of injection-drug equipment, or an accident with a source known to be HIV-infected.
what does "smoking" crack cocaine have to do with anything?
I teach HIV education to doctors. MOVE ON.
Go to International HIV in this same page, is truly qualified information specialists.
In Europe, doctors, who decide, with the patient, whether to take PEP or not following risk assessment.
Are you a doctor who specializes in HIV?.
Not one thing you posted was correct.
In Europe, the PEP is given after the medical evaluation of the risk, if you're in Europe go to a hospital within 72 hours.
If you can not get tested.
In UK, a trial AB / AG 4th generation at 4 weeks, 99,89% conclusive. In France, Australia and many U.S. states, 6 weeks conclusive.
Besides causing kidney and liver failure. Some people have severe allergic reactions to the drugs.
PEP is only given when a person has had an exposure to someone KNOWN to be HIV POSITIVE. PEP is dangerous and very expensive and not taken like an asprin or the morning after pill.
I don't mean to annoy you but this person is not sure of her status, and to play safe PEP would be helpful, since you said there is no tests that can detect the possible infection.
PEP is not given unless you had unprotected sex with a person known to be HIV positive.
You are lucky by coming ouy early, the advise I can give you is that don't waste any time go to your Doctor or nearest clinic to request for PEP and it will help you to prevent the possible infection if taken within 72 hours post exposure. Don't be scared just explain your situation and they will help you, the sooner you act the better chance of preventing a possible infection.