Simple Question Regarding Testing

Dear Dr HHH, or Dr Hook,

simple question, I cant seem to find the answer anywhere from my searches

I had a high risk exposure, how accurate would an antibody only test be

2) 2 weeks past exposure
b) 3 weeks past?

I know I will need a 3 moth test but i just want to know how accurate these would be to give me peace of mind while i wait for 3 months

Thankyou

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Welcome to the forum.

The reason you are having trouble finding information probably is that accurate statistics really aren't available -- only the judgment of experts.  But for a stand-alone antibody test, good estimateswith which most experts would agree) are around 50% positive by 2 weeks and 70-80% at 3 weeks.

But you don't need to wait 3 months for definitive testing.  Despite common advice about 3 months, with the current, routinely used antibody tests, 6 weeks and certainly 8 weeks generally is sufficient time for a 100% reliable result.  (In case you are interested why the 3 month advice persists, see the following threaad, in particular my follow-up comment dated Sept 18:  http://www.medhelp.org/posts/HIV-Prevention/-A-Question-on-Testing/show/1347755).

If you find a clinic or physician where the combo test (for both HIV antibody and p24 antigen) is offered, a negative result is 100% any time 4 weeks or more after the last possible exposure.

I hope this helps.  Best wishes and stay safe--  HHH, MD

[abz123]

Thankyou

And how about a fourth generation what would be it's accuracy at 2 weeks and 3 weeks

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

"4th generation" is the same as the combo/duo test.