General Question 2

[Sharkboy67]

The experts on this forum Dr HHH, Dr Hook, Dr Jose, Dr Sean and Dr Tyler have always claimed that the Duo is accurate and conclusive at 4 weeks.
If that is so, can anybody be certain that if they are negative after that time period. It is safe to give blood?

[Sharkboy67]

This excludes Northern Ireland, where gay people are still banned from giving blood.

[Sharkboy67]

Thanks that's brilliant news.

The law has now changed in the UK so gay people can give blood.

As it stands, if you feel you might have had an exposure, your first port of call is a GUM clinic. If you test negative and it has been confirmed as conclusive; a year later (and providing you don't have any more exposures), you can donate blood.

[diver58]

Yes it, if your law permits you. Blood donation is a noble act indeed, helps saving lives

[Sharkboy67]

Thanks Diver58,

In Britain for many years it was illegal for gay people to give blood.
That ban has now been moved.
We can now give blood after a year of since last contact.
I had 2 Duos (one at 24 days and one at 82 days. Also a insti rapid at 82 days. All of tests were negative. Two Health advisers who tested me, told me my results were conclusive. I also wrote to Dr Sean and Dr Hook and both of them told me my tests were conclusive. From this assurance, I take it that a year after exposure! it is safe to give blood.?

[diver58]

http://www.cdc.gov/nchhstp/newsroom/docs/2014/HIV-testing-Labs-Flowchart.pdf

Hope this link answers your question. I can send you a document from UK on recommended window periods for 3rd snd 4th generation HIV test if you send me your e-mail id in my message box

[diver58]

I totally agree with you. Anyone who was at risk during the past 3 months, should refrain from blood donation, until he/she is cleared through a conclusive test

[Sharkboy67]

Sorry,

Dr Sean, etc) they should not really, nor are they being irresponsible.

Again blood donation as first line of defence is totally wrong.

[Sharkboy67]

Exactly, someone might feel extremely guilty or scared about giving blood or unprotected sex after a exposure.
But if they have had a 4 week Duo test or 12 week Antibody test and been told that your test is conclusive by proffesionals, (I.e Dr HHH, Dr Sea

[KJ268]

I see what you mean but that just goes to add to their confidence that we are conlusive. It's kind of like reading between the lines. They can't say for 100% certainty as nothing in science is ever 100% and for liability purposes, they can't legally say 100% okay. But if they told you, you could continue unprotected sex with your partner or donate blood, then you know damn well you're good to go ha ha

[Sharkboy67]

Thanks KJ268,

TOTALLY agree with you.

Anybody who has had an HIV exposure and go's as a first defence to their to blood donation bank is totally wrong!
I am talking about experts Doctors who tell you that your test is conclusive; thus leading people to believe they are OK. Then if people go the blood donation bank after taking negative Duo and their Doctors reinsurance; then the Doctor's have a huge responsibility to be right.
I myself have huge respect for the expert doctor's on this forum and feel there is a huge hole while they are not here.

[KJ268]

I don't believe there is data on that but here in the US, once conclusive, you obviously don't have HIV
On top of that, our blood, when donated is tested using PCR RNA so it's highly accurate in diagnosing HIV in the serum of those who were even recently effects 14 days or so before.



Quick advice (not to you sharkboy) DON'T USE DONATING BLOOD AS A TESTING METHOD EVER. IT IS ILLEGAL.