Seroconversion

[bluebell81]

I have one question I need clarified, please.

I have heard from a few people on these boards that the average seroconversion rate is 22 days post exposure.

Does this mean a person who contracted HIV would test positive on an antibody test the day they seroconvert? Or does it still take a while longer for the body to make enough antibodies to show on a test?

Thank you!

[regularjoey]

Was this comment directed to me?  I don't understand your question, sorry.  Nowhere in this thread were we discussing PCR tests.  Yes, I'm against the use of PCR tests just like everyone else!

[Teak]

What false positives from taking the test to early and within the window period? PCR tests are not stand alone tests are not recommended tests in diagnosing HIV. They can help with the use of an antibody test. PCR are known for a high rate of false positives and are expensive. Even Dr. H goes against the use of PCR tests.

[regularjoey]

With the HIV antibody tests used in New York State, virtually all people who are infected will test positive within one month of being infected. Most people will test positive even sooner.

The period between the time of infection and the time that a HIV antibody test can detect the infection is called the window period. During the window period, an infected person does have HIV and can pass HIV to other people, even if his or her HIV antibody test is negative.

So, if you HIV antibody test is negative, you can be sure that you do not have HIV only if you have not engaged in any HIV risk behaviors (such as having unprotected sex or sharing needles) during the past three months.

http://www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/aids/facts/questions/testing.htm

[bluebell81]

So if the average seroconversion is 22 days, then why isnt the majority of positive tests at 3 weeks?

[regularjoey]

seroconversion=antibody test conversion from HIV neg to HIV poz

[regularjoey]

average is 50%
majority is over 50%

[regularjoey]

That's why Dr.H. is generally happy with a neg test at 4-6 weeks )))

[regularjoey]

Average seroconversion time means just that!
50% of people will test positive for antibodies to HIV 3 weeks post-infection.

vast majority (90%) by 4 weeks.
almost everybody by 6 weeks.

To all of you sitting on a 6-week negative - relax )))

[bluebell81]

I need this clarified also.

I want a clear answer on this.

[freak_2007]

Can someone clarify this average seroconversion time of 22 days is? Does the fact that average time to serconvert is 22 days mean that it is also possible some people seroconvert before 22 days? or does it mean on an average, xx% of people seroconvert in 22 days? Whats up with the 50%figure?
Sorry if the questions are silly but need this clarification.
thanks

[objetoficticiogrande]

If seroconvert mean get sick. I got sick before 22days, so I would like answer too.

[bluebell81]

lmao...the accent is back

[objetoficticiogrande]

I was sick 3 wks after sex. This is why I nervous.

[bluebell81]

Teak is not going to be happy about this

[Teak]

I would suggest you not go then, because that is what is going to happen.

[bluebell81]

So, 50% of people will test positive at 3 weeks? Or that 50% of people seroconvert?

[bluebell81]

Its not fair though. I just want the peace of mind of a 7 week test if it is in fact, negative.

There is nowhere else I can go to get a rapid test.

[bluebell81]

They keep charts on everyone. They didnt ask for ID when I filled out the forms so now I wish I had used fake information.

Anyway, they were even writing down in my chart that I was having severe anxiety.

[bluebell81]

I am in week 7 now. I think I might go test on Wednesday as I have an appointment just down the street from the clinic that day.

The only thing stopping me is the fact they told me not to come back for 3 months. I have already been there twice. I dont want to be embarrassed if they look at me weird or say something when I get there.

[Teak]

Do you trouble understanding about giving false information? You were the one that said 50%, no one else said that. The only one here trying to be funny is you.

[cluelessintexas]

I empathize with you, and I don't understand docs who won't test you before 3 months; you clearly have not seen providers who are very knowledgeable about HIV and its diagnosis.  The persons you spoke with at Planned Parenthood either didn't understand your question or is confused about the difference between overt AIDS and lab test results.  AIDS itself indeed can be delayed until 10 years or even 20 years after infection; but the blood test always is [b]positive within 6 weeks.[/b]  (Few health care providers at most family planning clinics have ever provided ongoing health care to people with HIV, and few have even had a patient with a positive HIV test.)  Try your local health department STD clinic.

This is what Dr. HHH wrote to a person seeking advice.

[regularjoey]

"The information says MOST will serocovert. It doesn't say anything about they will test postive at that time, nor does it sat 50%".

I just reread this comment of yours.  It's so silly it's almost funny!  Do you really not know the meaning of the word "MOST"???

))))

[cluelessintexas]

I bleed during my encounter... That scares the **** out of me.  I think that makes it more likely that I could contract HIV cause of the "open wound".  

Are you going to try and go and get another test done @ 7 weeks?  When will that be?

[MiamiLat]

I'm surprised they even have a chart on you stating not to test you until 12 wks. It just seems unethical. I also thought testing was offered on a confidential or anonymous basis and no charts were kept on each person getting tested. To my knowledge, what the health dept keeps is a form with statistical information for demographic purposes.