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Question to doctor with regards to different testing methods: PCR and combined P24/Elisa
by John_1, Nov 06, 2009 09:42AM
Dear Doctor,
I am a South African male and I have a question regarding the different methods of testing HIV infections.
Is the result of a PCR test (polymerase chain reaction test) reliable after 14 days after a risky situation? And how is the situation regarding a combined P24 and antibody test (4th generation ELISA HIV 1/2), is that result reliable after 14 days?
I phoned the laboratory today, conducting the tests, who told me the PCR test can already be conducted after 9 days of the potential exposure to HIV risk, while the combined P24 antibody test can be conducted after 14 days already. Both, they told me, would have reliable results, and the PCR test being about 100% accurate.
However on the internet I read different stories: with regards to the time after which those tests can be conducted resulting in a reliable result there is no consensus.
Also I read that the PCR test does give false positives, an idea of which I am not to keen. Is this true, or is the chance of a false positive just as big as any other testing method?
Could you please clear up the above mentioned questions, and tell me what test is the best and most reliable after 14 days?
Thank you in advance.
Best regards,
John
I am a South African male and I have a question regarding the different methods of testing HIV infections.
Is the result of a PCR test (polymerase chain reaction test) reliable after 14 days after a risky situation? And how is the situation regarding a combined P24 and antibody test (4th generation ELISA HIV 1/2), is that result reliable after 14 days?
I phoned the laboratory today, conducting the tests, who told me the PCR test can already be conducted after 9 days of the potential exposure to HIV risk, while the combined P24 antibody test can be conducted after 14 days already. Both, they told me, would have reliable results, and the PCR test being about 100% accurate.
However on the internet I read different stories: with regards to the time after which those tests can be conducted resulting in a reliable result there is no consensus.
Also I read that the PCR test does give false positives, an idea of which I am not to keen. Is this true, or is the chance of a false positive just as big as any other testing method?
Could you please clear up the above mentioned questions, and tell me what test is the best and most reliable after 14 days?
Thank you in advance.
Best regards,
John
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Thanks
I live in Los Angeles CA and I have tested for HIV with both Antibodies and PCR tests.
When I tested with the PCR test the counselor told me I had to wait 4 weeks after the possible exposure. This way you will get 100% accurate results. The only scary thing about these kind of tests is that they have a high risk of false positives and they can take weeks before you get the results.
How long ago did you had your possible exposure?