We wish Definatelyworried the best of luck with his tests, but this thread is now CLOSED to further comments.
Laura
MedHelp Team
One thing that bothers me when i read any hiv antibody test package insert is this and this is from orasure advanced-
8. A non-reactive result does not preclude the possibility of exposure to HIV or infection with HIV An antibody response to recent
exposure may take several months to reach detectable levels.
It would be nice to see a number of months there, but I guess it's easier for them to just state several months. Maybe it's because everyone produces antibody at different points.
I'm just wondering why the cdc doesn't mention all this, or if it does you really have to dig to find it.
Screening and diagnosing are not the same.
There are no tests market or sold to give a conclusive test earlier than three months post exposure. DUO test is is for early detection it didn't change the timeline for a conclusive test rest. PCR-RNA test is a supplemental test to help with early diagnosing HIV but like all HIV test cannot give a conclusive test result early than 3 months unless there is a test other than the approved tests.
Thats right--and the HIV DUO was manufactured to be taken between week 1 to week 4 to receive a result that is 99.89% reliable,the RNA can be taken as early as 7 days post--exposure but peaks at around 14 to 21 days.
Yes i have read their posts... But I guess it all boils down to What test to Take and when during the window... RNA ,DUO ,ANTIBODY, etc...
Have you read what the doctors from freedomHealth in the UK say about both tests--the DUO and RNA--Dr Jose Garcia is one of the most respected doctors on the expert forum and so is Dr Handsfield.
i think maybe i'm writing too much,,, i might get booted from this forum...but until then, i am enjoying learning and chatting about a topic i am very interested..
i know who you are referring to as "anyone"....lol.. you two seem to have a lot of different opinions and war of words about certain tests and window periods... i must say that both of you bring strong valid points... i believe however that you being in Australia, the research and testing agenda must be of a somewhat more liberal mindset, meaning that the better the technology and research, the faster you all conclude in your studies.. here in America we stick to old guidelines longer i'm afraid.. I can rememeber when the US was saying 6 months conclusive, Europe and Australia were already adapting to the 3 months... and now we have this .... i applaude you on the fact that you stand by your thinking....
No,thats not what it means at all,it means from 9 to 11 days and onwards.
I don't care what anyone on this forum says--the combination of a negative HIV DUO test and or RNA are fully conclusive at 4 weeks and thats from the mouths of HIV specialists.
how is it possible that RNA can only be detected between 9-11 days.??? does it go undetectable after 11 days? that doesnt sound legitimate... all those people living with HIV have viral loads that vary... The RNA PCR is also for monitoring those HIV+ people to see where their levels are...
so, you have to take the RNA test between 9-11 days,....???? after 11 days then you're screwed? what happens after 11 days? is it invalid...???
you know, the more i read about the RNA test coupled with the antibody test, i feel that it will probably replace the standard antibody test as the gold standard. the FDA really is putting alot of emphasis and $$$ into this test method... for now , they lean towards the 4th generation P24/antibody but the RNA/anti-body test is looking like the future....
The window period for an RNA test is 9 to 11 days--thats what the CDC says--take it or leave it.
in any sense, my question was about the window period for the RNA test. and please dont give me the 9-11 day BS... give me a from this day to this day answer... like the antibody test is between 2 weeks to 13 weeks...
im not debating that the RNA is a NAAT ... what i am implying is that it is very sensitive that it can read levels as low as 20 copies per ml... sometimes it does give false positives. although false negatives are rare... u can however have undetectable levels as do some HIV+ individuals...
Thats not true at all--an RNA test is a NAAT test which is used to screen blood donations
i read that it can read 20 copies/ml to 1,000,000 copies/ml
If you read through the aptima package insert u will find somewhwhere along the line that it starts to become very sensitive at 30 copies/ml.
reason why im asking is because i didnt see the timeframe on the FDA guideline for when the APTIMA is accurate... other HIV test generally tell you when to test like ORAQUICK ORASURE and others...
and Teak, just for reference, the Aptima PCR-RNA should be taken along with an antibody test anytime AFTER 3 months, right?
Correct, it is the only PCR-RNA test approved to help with diagnosing HIV-1.