Why is the generation teast so relavent to testing reliability?

I took a rapid  20 min. hiv test in the US, (finger prick) one. The international Dr. says i can reley on the 13 & 15 wk. neg. result, depending on the generation used? I don't think the CDC in the US even names thier tests in terms of "generation"? Does anyone have any insight on this? I do feel beter hearing from the international DR. that the steriod meds wouldnt have any bearing on my test, BUT does that only mean if i was teasted by UK standards of the third gen. test? All i know is, i was given the rapid 20 min. finger prick test, given through the CDC in the US. Regardless, is the Us test described above not conclusive by 13 wks? Now I'm really confused. Any insight?

[avonelle38]

As long as your tests were done after 3 months, they would be accurate and conclusive. I believe the OraQuick finger prick test is a 2nd generation as it test for antibodies only and not P24 antigen. However, I did read the reply you received from Dr. Sean. As he is from the UK, he cannot be too familiar with all the tests available in the U.S. Every country is different. Here, both the OraSure for oral fluid and OraQuick for finger stick blood rapid tests are FDA approved to give rapid results after 3 months post exposure. Your 2 negative tests after the window period are reliable and conclusive!

[ashley952]

First of all, Thanks soooo much for your time and effort.in putting up with posters, (like myself), that are usually scared and full of anxiety, due to the obvious posts on this forum. I hold a high regard for health & safe sex, but failed miserably in this situation. It sends already anxious individuals reeling for info we dont  always readily unrestand due to multiple sites and opinions. I inturpted Dr. Seans answer, implied only 3rd & 4th gen tests reliable at 13 & 14 wks. post poss. exposure reliable. Please set me straight on this? I was surprised by answer about the gen tests.... Very very relieved to hear straight from a Dr.about steriod use though, as you tried to get me to accept at an earlier date. You know how it must feel and how you just think you should hear it from a Dr? You"ve shown great compassion and are very logical! People on this forum need you. Thanks again...pwb