Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

How reliable is the 4th Generation test

Hi, I just want to ask How reliable is the 4th Generation test at 52 days. I've read from many sources that the test is detect antibodies and P24 Antigen only at 28 days or 4 weeks. I also read that after 28 day both antibodies and P24 Antigen become undetectable until 3 months. Is this true?

I did the 4th Generation Dou test and PCR test at the Lab 52 days ago which come back Negative. How reliable is this test? Should I test again after 3 moths? Please assist to clear my anxiety.

Thanks,
10 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
* Anyone who continues to post excessively, questioning a conclusively negative result or no-risk situation, will be subject to action by MedHelp. Conclusively negative results or a no-risk situation will be based upon the criteria established by 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.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
What about the following statement from Dr. H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D?

I'm so confused!

239123_tn?1267651214
H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.Blank  
Dec 25, 2013
This has been explained before -- but this time I'm going to bookmark this thread so I can refer questions to it and won't have to keep repeating myself!

Many people misunderstand the duo (4th generation) HIV test. It might seem that after the period in which p24 antigen can no longer be detected in the blood (around 4-6 weeks), the test behaves just like a stand-alone antibody test. This would seem to leave open a possibility that after p24 antigen disappears, there could be brief time before antibody shows up, and therefore a possible false negative test result.

But it doesn’t work that way. The tests for HIV antibody and p24 antigen that are incorporated into the duo test are not independent of one another. It is the HIV antibody that clears p24 out of the blood. If p24 antigen is no longer detectable, then antibody MUST be present -- that's the very reason that p24 is gone. Therefore, in every person with an HIV infection of 4 or more weeks induration, either antibody or p24 is always detectable in the blood. (Both may be present for a couple of weeks in the 2-6 week time frame.)

So your negative result is definitive. Don’t have any more HIV tests. Do your best to move on. This thread is over.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
So you are more concerned with kissing then uprotected sex? Or was the unprotected sex just a story?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
HIV is transmitted by;
Unprotected penetrative anal and/or vaginal sex
Sharing works with other IV drug users
Mother to child
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
How sure are that deep kiss share no risk for HIV?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
PCR test is useless for diagnosis.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
What about the PCR test that test for the virus itself (viral load)? Would it make a difference on my situation?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
The antigen part is basically useless after 1 month. Then the antibody part is conclusive at 3 months. But any negative test is a good test.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I had unprotected sex with the lady of unknown HIV status.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
What was your risk?
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the HIV Prevention Community

Top HIV Answerers
366749 tn?1544695265
Karachi, Pakistan
370181 tn?1595629445
Arlington, WA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
Can I get HIV from surfaces, like toilet seats?
Can you get HIV from casual contact, like hugging?
Frequency of HIV testing depends on your risk.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may help prevent HIV infection.