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Putting the HBV Window Period to Rest
Can we please settle the window period debate about the HBV window period?
I've been combing through the forums and it seems in almost every thread some people are saying it takes 6 months after a potential exposure to get a conclusive Hepatitis B test, even an antigen test (HBsAg). However, this is taken verbatum off of the CDC's webpage for Hepatits B seriology for health professionals (go to cdc.org, find hepatitis page, then click on "information for health professionals):
"How long does it take for blood to test HBsAg-positive after exposure to HBV?
HBsAg will be detected in an infected person’s blood an average of 4 weeks (range: 1–9 weeks) after exposure to the virus. About 1 of 2 patients will no longer be infectious by 7 weeks after onset of symptoms, and all patients who do not remain chronically infected will be HBsAg-negative by 15 weeks after onset of symptoms."
According to Dr. Hook, medhelp.org's resident physician in the STD Expert forum:
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/576014
"ANTIGEN tests for hepatits B.. Should develop in less than 2 months for sure and nearly all before 6 weeks.
Antibodies - there are a series of antibodies, the first to develop is to the "core" antigen, the second to the surface antigen. Core antibody develops before surface antibody and is the better indicator of infection as both infection and the vaccine can induce antibodies to the surface antigen. HBcAB (the core antibody) has typically developed within 2-6 (rarely out to 8) weeks."
The CDC, probably the standard bearer in determining window periods for STD testing, says you should test positive with the antigen test at 9 weeks AT MOST and this forum's resident STD expert puts the window period at a maximum of 2 months.
What evidence does the "6 month" crowd have that you have to wait 6 months to determine whether or not you were infected? Are you using dated studies or are you basing this 6 month figure on few isolated cases where people took that long ot show signs of HBV on a test, like when people say it takes 1 year to test positive for AIDS because 1 person tested at 9 months a decade ago? I'm just concerned that people, like me, who have low risk exposures (usually unprotected or protected sex with a single person a single time) are going through unnecessary stress because they believe they have to wait until 6 months to get a conclusive test.
I've been combing through the forums and it seems in almost every thread some people are saying it takes 6 months after a potential exposure to get a conclusive Hepatitis B test, even an antigen test (HBsAg). However, this is taken verbatum off of the CDC's webpage for Hepatits B seriology for health professionals (go to cdc.org, find hepatitis page, then click on "information for health professionals):
"How long does it take for blood to test HBsAg-positive after exposure to HBV?
HBsAg will be detected in an infected person’s blood an average of 4 weeks (range: 1–9 weeks) after exposure to the virus. About 1 of 2 patients will no longer be infectious by 7 weeks after onset of symptoms, and all patients who do not remain chronically infected will be HBsAg-negative by 15 weeks after onset of symptoms."
According to Dr. Hook, medhelp.org's resident physician in the STD Expert forum:
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/576014
"ANTIGEN tests for hepatits B.. Should develop in less than 2 months for sure and nearly all before 6 weeks.
Antibodies - there are a series of antibodies, the first to develop is to the "core" antigen, the second to the surface antigen. Core antibody develops before surface antibody and is the better indicator of infection as both infection and the vaccine can induce antibodies to the surface antigen. HBcAB (the core antibody) has typically developed within 2-6 (rarely out to 8) weeks."
The CDC, probably the standard bearer in determining window periods for STD testing, says you should test positive with the antigen test at 9 weeks AT MOST and this forum's resident STD expert puts the window period at a maximum of 2 months.
What evidence does the "6 month" crowd have that you have to wait 6 months to determine whether or not you were infected? Are you using dated studies or are you basing this 6 month figure on few isolated cases where people took that long ot show signs of HBV on a test, like when people say it takes 1 year to test positive for AIDS because 1 person tested at 9 months a decade ago? I'm just concerned that people, like me, who have low risk exposures (usually unprotected or protected sex with a single person a single time) are going through unnecessary stress because they believe they have to wait until 6 months to get a conclusive test.
"Perhaps the window period is so variable that one should not be presented to those seeking advice".
That is precisely why, I tend to keep to myself to those asking for "windows". The general guidelines and recommendations are not hard to find via googling. And it will provide good site like the CDC and others. But of course that is not enough...
Usually those asking for "windows" want solid assurance to ease their anxiety. Those at this forum can't provide that.
That is precisely why, I tend to keep to myself to those asking for "windows". The general guidelines and recommendations are not hard to find via googling. And it will provide good site like the CDC and others. But of course that is not enough...
Usually those asking for "windows" want solid assurance to ease their anxiety. Those at this forum can't provide that.
Justin,
For this forum to make those kind of judgments with many of us having no medical background would be a misuse of the forum and would exaggerate the extend to which we can help.
This is a patient-to-patient forum and not a panel of experts.
Best wishes.
For this forum to make those kind of judgments with many of us having no medical background would be a misuse of the forum and would exaggerate the extend to which we can help.
This is a patient-to-patient forum and not a panel of experts.
Best wishes.
I understand that people all react differently to viruses, but Wesson1975 has a good point. I tested negative at 11 weeks for HBV and am hoping I can move on with my life, although I find it difficult b/c I still have a rash that is as of yet unexplained. Over the past 3 months I have experienced a tremendous amount of stress; so much to the point that I had to take time off away from work.
And yes, everyone should be vaccinated. I can only hope that everyone that has a close call, whether the exposure is high or low risk, who experiences anxiety about STD's is responsible enough to get vaccinated. I'm going for my second vaccination this week.
At the same time, however, the stress that I've experienced over the past 11 weeks certainly has had a negative impact on my health as well. I do think it is important that this forum and those members who contribute can agree on a sensible and realistic window period and present the same to those individuals who ask.
Perhaps the window period is so variable that one should not be presented to those seeking advice, but if we can narrow it down like the CDC apparently has (1-9 week range with an average of 4) then I think it would do well for the mental well being of those who experience a high degree of anxiety over the issue.
At the same time, I have found this forum to be very beneficial and the members to be supportive and informative. I can't thank them enough for their assistance especially cajim, zelly, and cowriter...
And yes, everyone should be vaccinated. I can only hope that everyone that has a close call, whether the exposure is high or low risk, who experiences anxiety about STD's is responsible enough to get vaccinated. I'm going for my second vaccination this week.
At the same time, however, the stress that I've experienced over the past 11 weeks certainly has had a negative impact on my health as well. I do think it is important that this forum and those members who contribute can agree on a sensible and realistic window period and present the same to those individuals who ask.
Perhaps the window period is so variable that one should not be presented to those seeking advice, but if we can narrow it down like the CDC apparently has (1-9 week range with an average of 4) then I think it would do well for the mental well being of those who experience a high degree of anxiety over the issue.
At the same time, I have found this forum to be very beneficial and the members to be supportive and informative. I can't thank them enough for their assistance especially cajim, zelly, and cowriter...
Fortune cookies, magic 8 ball, sometimes I ask the kids and just type in what they say . I don't like to rely too much on any one source.
Fortune cookies, that's where you are getting the advice you are giving me??? Lady, we need to talk...hahahaha.
As the clarification issue...a person's immune system and HBV (or any other virus) doesn't follow black and white. Some have big windows and some small. It makes no sense to look at "window" for assurance, since there's a vaccine against HBV. Individuals old enough for sex should be responsible to take precautions against STDs. How some of us would love to have that opportunity to take that vaccine.
As the clarification issue...a person's immune system and HBV (or any other virus) doesn't follow black and white. Some have big windows and some small. It makes no sense to look at "window" for assurance, since there's a vaccine against HBV. Individuals old enough for sex should be responsible to take precautions against STDs. How some of us would love to have that opportunity to take that vaccine.
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