P24 antigen and elisa test

[kalikala]

Due to insurance purposes, I use the online Lab testing sites to get my blood work done. Unfortunately, I cannot find one that offers what is called the P24 and elisa test togther or the p24 test at all or when I call, they act like they have not heard of a 4th generation test which I believe is what these two test together are considered?  I live in the Orlando area.  The seem to offer the RNA or PCR test included with the elisa but from my understanding these are not accurate test if I am looking for a test at the 4 week period of possible exposure? I do understand that the elisa test is more accurate at 6-8 weeks and 12 weeks can pretty much rule out the possibility so I have read and understand that but I would like some peace of mind so if I can get the P24 test done sooner, I would like to.  Thank you for any help on this that anyone can offer.

[kalikala]

My previous post was from 2011 but since then I had sex with a partner who the condom came off during anal sex due to going limp, I am assuming (?) but we didn't realize it until after we were done. I had him take the Oraquick at home test which came up negaive and we then had sex without a condom several times after that negative result.  I do not feel worried that him only because he lives a lifestyle that doesn't seem to risky but you never know.  However, I recently had sexual intercourse with someone whom wore a condom but took it off during intercourse to perform oral and reused it which I know is not the safest thing to do and as far as I know it stayed in tact after it was put back on but it was dark and I was intoxicated. He unfortunately is a past boyfriend from like 17 years ago and since that has not lived a very good life style.  He has said he is clean but at 2 weeks after sex with him on 2/22, I got a sore throat beginning around 3/7 and still have it.  Today, I now have body aches and feel like I am running a fever (I am working so I can check for sure) and I am itching from my face down my arms. I also feel like my mouth is breaking out with sores on top and around my gumline.  I know symptoms cannot be verified as a sign until I get a test but I am worrying my self sick to the point of not being able to function at all because it is all I think about, it is rediculous.  I feel very ashamed and depressed so I just want it to go away.  I see a psychiatrist but he didn't seem over concerned with the incident and how I was reacting to it, he felt it had more to do with my anxiety due to my seperation with my husband.

[nursegirl6572]

Reread your reply from the doctor:

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/HIV---Prevention/Hope/show/1537239#post_6981123

You're talking about a DUO test, which aren't always very easy to find in the US.  You don't need a DUO test anyway, as after 4 weeks, they're really pointless.  DUO tests are made to be early detection tests, and anytime after 4 weeks, a standard antibody test is sufficient...as most likely, an antibody test would pick up any new infections at that point.

We go by the official guidelines, which state that a test isn't fully conclusive until 3 months post exposure, but your negative rapid test is a very good indication that you didn't get infected, along with your partner's negative result.

Ignore the urge to overtest, as that only fuels anxiety and increases your chance of getting a false positive, which as you could imagine, causes a LOT of anxiety.

Test at 3 months with a standard antibody test (rapid is fine) and then put this behind you.

[latchu_ek]

what was your possible exposure