when is ELISA test is conclusive

Hi, Ms. Lou,

I'm wondering for ELISA test, is 3 month considered conclusive?
How about 6 weeks? Are heath provider able to give you immediate
result on ELISA test result? Does health provider normally choose
ELISA when people require HIV test or they have better option?

Thank you for your help!

Dave

[Iammaxii]

Please Read this

ELISA

This test is most widely used for screening people with HIV. Because of its high sensitivity, it is suitable for testing large number of samples.

Generations [1]


First generation - whole viral lysates
Second generation - recombinant antigen
Third generation - synthetic peptide
Fourth generation - antigen + antibody (Simultaneous detection of HIV antigen and antibody) - HIV duo


Antibody can be detected in a majority of individuals within 6-12 weeks after infection using the earlier generation of assays. But it can be detected within 3-4 weeks when using the newer third generation ELISA. Due to their ability to detect p24 antigen, the fourth-generation ELISA will be of value in detecting early infection. The window period can be shortened to two weeks using p24-antigen assay. [4] The principles of ELISA are classified as indirect, competitive, sandwich, and capture assay.

As per National HIV testing policy, two ELISA using different principles are required to diagnose HIV infection(in clinical setting). [1]

[Iammaxii]

3rd Generation ELISA is commanly called as Sandwich ELISA.

[parisgay]

so you think that a ELISA HIV TEST Third generation at 4 week is quite good indicator?

[Iammaxii]

Yes, Its just a quite GOOD indicator...
Development of antigen and antibiotics depends upon person to person.

[parisgay]

do you mean antibody ?

[Iammaxii]

Yes Sorry my mistake.
Please read as  antigen and antibody..

[dave1973]

Thanks, Iammaxii,

Do you think health provider normally have the capability to handle this on site? My health provider has 10-15 doctors in that group and they have their lab on-site to do blood work and is reputable in our area. Also, does health provider normally choose
ELISA when people require HIV test or they have better option like PCR (which of course is more expensive).

Thank you again for your input!

Dave