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Possibility of false negative result after 12 weeks?
Hi, I know that 12 weeks and after since potential exposure is considered to be conclusive but how reliable is this? I'm not questioning the validity of any test after 12 weeks so please don't accuse me of this or of being paranoid. I am quite simply curious to know what the rationale for the 12 weeks cut off point is. Is it scientifically impossible to not have seroconverted within 12 weeks? Is it possible to seroconvert after 12 weeks but so incredibly rare that it is not worth giving thought to the possibility? I just want to know why 12 weeks is conclusive.
Also, what are the chances of a false negative result after seroconversion? Just an innocent question, i am not trying to undermine any advice given on the forum.
Also, what are the chances of a false negative result after seroconversion? Just an innocent question, i am not trying to undermine any advice given on the forum.
i've done that in the past and i have very recently considered doing so once again. cheers
There comes a point when you have to accept your negative result because you have to take responsibility for your own emotional well-being. If you aren't capable of doing that on your own, you have to at least take the responsibility of seeking a clinical counselor.
Thank you, that was extremely helpful. As far as I know i fall into none of those categories myself (i'm pretty sure they did a hep test on me) although I know my 14 week test was conclusive deep down...i just have anxiety issues and have done my whole life which need addressing. I've only just joined this forum and it's incredible how many people seem to suffer from the same anxiety as me...50% of the threads appear to regard individuals who have tested neg at 3 months+ and still can't accept the neg result...this may seem ridiculous to those who know what they are talking about but speaking from my own experience i know that the emotional pain from exposure to conclusive result is so intense and crippling that it can take years for it to go away and for one to fully accept that they are hiv neg. I went for about a year after my 14 week test and then it just came back one day and i got another one done (no news is good news, they didn't call me which means i dont have it) but i've had moments where i've thought ''what if'' they didn't send my blood off for testing (nurse was angry with me lol). I know this is crazy...but checking this forum it appears extremely common. The mind is a strange thing.
Btw, checked your profile...i'm a BSc student of economics also (mostly Macro) in the UK (half way through 2nd year, plan to do a MSc, possibly PhD)
Btw, checked your profile...i'm a BSc student of economics also (mostly Macro) in the UK (half way through 2nd year, plan to do a MSc, possibly PhD)
There are exceptions, but the CDC estimates that 97% of HIV-infected individuals will test positive by 3 months. While it would seem then that 3 out of every 100 people will not show a positive result until after the 3 month mark, that is not the case. Those are in extreme circumstances that are unique circumstances for the individual. People with compromised immune systems--whether it be from taking immune system suppressants for diseases like lupus, or having weakened immune systems from chemotherapy, radiation, or anti-rejection drugs--and some individuals with hepatitis may take up to 6 months to develop antibodies. If you do not fall into any of these categories, ask your doctor about testing at 6 months. If you don't fall into these categories, your 3 month result is conclusive.
You can always test again though. Testing is voluntary, and it's your decision.
You can always test again though. Testing is voluntary, and it's your decision.
As in, it is scientifically impossible to seroconvert after 12 weeks? So 100% of people shall have seroconverted within 12 weeks? is that the point you are making?
I never said I could not accept them. :s
Your post on my previous thread did help. I have accepted them as conclusive. I just wanted to know why they are considered conclusive as a pure matter of interest. As you portray yourself as such an expert perhaps you could enlighten me, i would appreciate that very much.
Your post on my previous thread did help. I have accepted them as conclusive. I just wanted to know why they are considered conclusive as a pure matter of interest. As you portray yourself as such an expert perhaps you could enlighten me, i would appreciate that very much.
You have a conclusive test result if you can't not accept the negative results seek professional mental help as to WHY.
That's all very well raj, but if that is correct then that means that 1 out of 100 people are being given incorrect advice as for them 12 weeks is not conclusive. This is assuming that figure is true.
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