How reliable are Rapid Tests? (UK)

I was just wondering how reliable rapid tests are?

i have had one in the past (after 13 weeks of possible risk) and it was negative
a friend of mine is now going for a test as she was at risk 4 months ago and says she wont go near a rapid  test and will only go to the hospital for a test as its more conclusive

made me think should i do the same?

[diver58]

Rapid tests are highly reliable and a 13 week negative is conclusive.

[craigle]

im guessing they would have to be reliable or clinics wouldnt be allowed to licence them right.

i didnt realise 13 weeks was the 100% conclusive point

[diver58]

In my country, state run health institutes started using Rapid tests. You got to believe em because the stuff is FDA approved. Yes 13 week test is 100% conclusive if the individual is not with deteriorated immune system or on chemotherapy.

[craigle]

what is deteriorated immune system?

[diver58]

Like chemotherapy affects the immune system, and leaving them aside, rest of the otherwis ehealthy people get 13 week test as conclusive

[craigle]

oooh ok, so i should stop stressing then. And tell my friend that they are reliable

[remorse]

I found this link:

http://www.bashh.org/committees/cgc/reports/final_hiv_point_of_care_tests_guidance_rev080606.pdf

RTDs are generally satisfactory for detection of uncomplicated HIV infection (or its absence), but are less sensitive than lab-based EIAs and automated systems for detecting early infections (seroconversion).. For example, with a seroconversion panel, Abbott Determine detected HIV about 3 days later than the most sensitive HIV antibody-only EIA tests.

I believe Abbott determine is commonly used in UK...

[craigle]

im not sure what the above message means,lol

i got rapid tested at 4 weeks, 8 and 13 and all were negative. Im guessing if there was a problem with my antibodies something would have shown up??

The gentleman that did the test also said i was fine, its just my friend puttin the scares in me

[Frank303]

An ELISA is better if one can wait for results.

[Teak]

At three months when tests are to be taken they are all very reliable.

[nonbeliever]

you are negative, tell your friend to not be afraid of rapid test , like teak said at 3 months all are reliable

[remorse]

It's saying that Abbott Determine rapid test will detect 3 days later than the most sensitive ELISA antibody. It just matter of days only.

[craigle]

I went dead on 13 days though, should i have waited a few more days then  for a conclussive result?

[Teak]

Days or weeks. Weeks would be conclusive.

[Frank303]

BASHH say non blood tests are reliable at 16 weeks. They are a non-accountable charity though but I'm not sure what The Health Protection Agency say.

[Teak]

* Anyone who continues to post excessively, questioning a conclusive negative result or no-risk situation, will be subject to action by MedHelp. Conclusive negative results or a no-risk situation will be based up the criteria MedHelp’s doctors. Action will be taken as follows:
    * After excessive posting, a warning will be issued by MedHelp
    * Continuing to post regarding the negative result / no risk situation will result in a 3 day suspension
    * Continuing to post upon your return will result in a permanent ban.

Enough of your BS Frank. Rapid tests are FDA approved test and they are even in the UK.

[Teak]

3 months is conclusive.

[Frank303]

Teak, that is what BASHH say:


UNITED KINGDOM NATIONAL GUIDELINES ON HIV TESTING 2006
K E Rogstad, A Palfreeman, G Rooney, G Hart, R Lowbury, P Mortimer,
P Carter, S Jarrett, E Stewart, J Summerside,
Clinical Effectiveness Group
British Association of Sexual Health and HIV

p7
In oral fluid samples conversion to antibody positivity may take longer. A single study indicated the window may be extended for a further two weeks 18, though the exact period will depend on which serum and oral fluid tests are being compared. Thus, 16 weeks from the time of exposure should be allowed for if they are being used to exclude infection. All HIV screening tests should carry a CE mark. There are currently none available within the UK (although this position may change). Generally oral fluid testing should be avoided unless venepuncture is difficult or not possible15.

[craigle]

The rapid test i had took blood from a finger *****, not an oral sample

I have booked myself in for another rapid test next week at a diffrent clinic

[snippets69]

Your rapid blood test proves you don't have HIV.  You don't need to test again.

[Teak]

Move on Frank. at 3 months as the manufacture states the tests are conclusive. If you are going to post make sure the information you post is up to date.

[craigle]

are rapid tests the most commonly used these days? Has anyone ever gotten a false negative after a 3 month test?

[Frank303]

Teak this is nothing to do my my exposure so keep it out of craigles thread .The informationI post is up to date and those are the current UK guidelines.

Craigle, as it was a blood test (which wasn't specified in the original post) your friend has been tested to the 12 week BASHH guideline.

[Teak]

Rapid test are the most commonly used tests. False negatives wasn't the issue with them when they first came out it was false postives. That has been resolved.

[shenhua]

I heard rapid test is 99.99% accurate..

[jamespinaa]

A 3 month test is a great indication that you are in the clear but it isn't 100% conclusive if you have had a high risk. 6 months is definitive.

[craigle]

im going for a final test 2mw as it would be 9 months then

[Teak]

Don't waste your money on testing, seek professional mental help.

[craigle]

Teak that is very rude

[Teak]

No, it's fact. Anyone that won't believe there negative result taken at the proper time has issues and you wanting to test out to 9 months is an issue. MOVE ON.

[aak001]

if you want to test then do it but i belive that everybody on this forum will tell you that you dont need to test further. anyway i wish you all the best and i am sure that you will have a -ve result.

[craigle]

Im only having doubts as im reading that 6 months is more conclusive, esp if it is a rapid test.

I am only taking it at 9 months as this was brought to my attention this week. I havnt been thinking about it daily up to now!

[Teak]

It because those that say testing out to 6 months don't have any idea what they are talking about and you are guallable.

[davidk81]

Is 3 months really conclusive if you still feel sick?  I'm scared because I had HIV symptoms and I'm gay. should I still retest?

[davidk81]

does this mean that my immune system is deteriorated or compromised? PLEASE HELP!

[LIZZIE LOU]

it means you're negative

[davidk81]

100%?

[Teak]

3 months is conclusive period.

[davidk81]

okay.  This whole HIV thing has been a realistic nightmare for me for 3 whole months.  It's so hard to let go.  I wish I could just let go but in reality, the symptoms were so severe.  I had ALL OF THEM.  Even the time frame was accurate.  The risk was high. : (

GOD, I hope that you guys are right.

[LIZZIE LOU]

you might be better served on the anxiety forum or the OCD forum.  you do NOT have a hiv concern.  dr. hansfield told you the same thing...move on

[davidk81]

I believe you and DR.. HHH.  It's just that so much has happened since I messaged him a while ago.  I even found out that the guy I had sex with has HIV.  That's why I'm having a problem dropping the whole subject.  Trust me, I'm not crazy.  I have real concerns and just want to make sure that my health is okay.  

I'm not trying to disrespect anyone on this forum either.  Without you guys, I don't even know how I would have survived these past 3 months.

I'm just scared to get tested again in a couple of months.  My doctor told me that I have to.  But he might be old fashioned. I don't know.