can u please tell me what the duo test is exactly so i can search for it here. Also, i understand the PCR-DNA test is more accurate or equivalent to the PCR-RNA test, is that accuarte. tx
I do not know about the USA. You would need to consult with a doctor there.
Your negative test results are highly reassuring and a very good sign, but they are not considered conclusive. None of those tests are the Duo or Combo test, which needs to also test for the p24 antigen.
Current UK guidlines would consider the tests that you had to be final and conclusive only after 12 weeks of finishing PEP. However a negative Duo test can be consider conclusive after 4-6 weeks of finishing PEP.
Best wishes,
Dr José
Doctor,
Doc,
I have a few final questions so please bear with me. I am at 20 days post taking my PEP regime and took theLab Corp -HIV-1 DNA by PCR With HIV Antibodies by ICMA Test and the results were as follows:
Test Value Range Result Test
HIV-1 Antibody <1.00 <1.00 Negative
HIV 1/O/2 Abs, Qual Non Reactive Non Reactive Negative
HIV-1 DNA Negative - Negative
First, I read about the Duo test at 28 days being conclusive, but do not really understand how exactly that test is defined here in the USA? I know the test above is a PCR/DNA test, but would it also be consider a duo test?
Second, Given it is day 20, not day 28 is it true that the odds are about 90% in my favor that i am negative?
Finally, should i get retested with the same type of test above in the next two weeks to ensure i no longer need any testing and can consider that test conclusive? If not, is there another type of Duo/other test i should look for in the USA.
I really appreciate your time as you guys provide an invaluable service.
Hello,
Thank you very much for yout post and welcome to our forum.
I will try to answer each of your questions here below:
1.) I would have recommended PEP if we knew that the lady was definitely HIV positive. Not knowing her status but being from a high prevalence group (sex worker), PEP can be considered and would have been open for discussion. The estimated risk to you, if she was positive, is estimated at less than 0.1%.
2.) There are different regimes of PEP. Most are prescribed for 28 days. I would suggest that you follow the advice of the doctor who prescribed it.
3.) Current UK guidlines would only consider as fully conclusive an antibody test after 12 weeks of finishing PEP. However in practical terms, a negative Duo test after 4-6 weeksis highly reliable and can be ocnsidered conclusive. A negative PCR test after 10 days of finishing PEP is highly reassuring, but not conclusive.
4.) I beleive that very negligible, close to zero. Your initial risk was low, and you have taken PEP. I am confident that you are absolutely fine.
The Duo test detects the HIV antibodies, together with the p24 antigen.
Kind regards,
Dr José
I am confused about the type of tests i should take now that i am back in the USA. Is the HIV-1 DNA by PCR With HIV Antibodies by ICMA Test offered by labcorp in the USA, an appropriate early dectition test or is an PCR RNA test a better more accurate test. If so, how do the tests differ in accuracy? Also, the Duo test that is commonly discussed, what exactly is it, and is the HIV-1 DNA by PCR With HIV Antibodies by ICMA Test a Duo Test? If it is not a duo test, then what is one that i can take in the USA? I already asked about the timing on when to take these tests above, but i want to make sure i follow the correct steps exactly so any further color on that would be appreciated. Thank you for your time.