HIV testing Influenced by normal antibiotics, timing of getting tested?

[demtlard]

I am not sure if anyone here can answer this, but what I would like to know is if, for example, someone recently had a possible HIV infection is taking antibiotics for a cold, but maybe doesn't really need them, if the person has HIV would those antibiotics reduce the viral load and perhaps influence any HIV tests? Perhaps if they were infected that the test would show up negative?  I am assuming this is impossible, but I just wonder.

I also would like to know the timing to get an HIV test. On this website it says 6-8 weeks, however the CDC recommends a test at 3 months and another one at 6 months. Of coruse it depends I guess on your risk of getting HIV.  From what I remember there is a window period of HIV showing up on tests. Is it possible to miss the period of testing to know if you have HIV or not. For example, you wait until 6 months to get the test after the possible infection?

Thanks in advance.

[demtlard]

Interesting and thank you for the responses. Years ago clincs were recommending getting tested after 6 weeks of possible infection, but as I said now, the CDC is saying 12 weeks for first test and then 24 weeks for a second test. Unless you were sexually active during that period I would see no reason to get a test any early than 12 to 24 weeks. However, as you said if the new tests can accurately detect HIV at 6 weeks with a conclusive test, than that is great.

[mike_no]

a. NO MEDICINE can delay seroconversion, just not possible.

b. NO, testing would not depend on the risk,irrespective of low or high, a risk is a risk , the reason it's said to be 6 -8 weeks conclusive because:

1. A test taken on the 6-8 week would always give you a reliable result

2. Since average would seroconvert within 14 to 22 days after the exposure and few go up to 4 to 6 week - 6 months(people with shattered immune system, iv drug user etc.)

4. Detectable amount of antibodies would always be shown in the test result after two weeks preceding seroconversion

5. Having said that all by 6 week a person should get an indicative result when tested by any generation of the test

6. 12 weeks recommended by CDC is very very conservative and also an old piece of info, new generation of tests (III & IV) have indeed minimized the window period to 6 /8 weeks


Mike

[exww]

No antibiotic will affect the HIV it is that much strong. So it will not affect widow period, Testing , or antibody production.

Standered window period that i belive is 3 months . But i hope 6-8 weeks will be ok.If you test in window period you may get a false negative test.

S