Aa
canada
Hi there,
I was just wondering if you know what type of HIV test Canada uses? (or more likely, do you know how I can find out)
I assume that is a stupid question and it probably varies from place to place, even in one province.
I was tested 3 months after my only 'possibly risky encounter'
I went and saw my GP today who ordered the test, I asked what type of test was used, He showed me my results and said it was an Antigen test, After reading a bit about the test it would seem that it would be a very unreliable test because the proteins they are looking for would decrease after a certain amount of time.
Also it seems like it a pretty "dark ages" test. Could it be possible that in Canada they would use that test alone?
Or is it more likely it was that test along with an antibody test? which seems like a more up-to-date way of testing.
He did say that I was MORE likely to get a false positive the a false negative, but gave me another form to be retested at 6 months.
I was just wondering if you know what type of HIV test Canada uses? (or more likely, do you know how I can find out)
I assume that is a stupid question and it probably varies from place to place, even in one province.
I was tested 3 months after my only 'possibly risky encounter'
I went and saw my GP today who ordered the test, I asked what type of test was used, He showed me my results and said it was an Antigen test, After reading a bit about the test it would seem that it would be a very unreliable test because the proteins they are looking for would decrease after a certain amount of time.
Also it seems like it a pretty "dark ages" test. Could it be possible that in Canada they would use that test alone?
Or is it more likely it was that test along with an antibody test? which seems like a more up-to-date way of testing.
He did say that I was MORE likely to get a false positive the a false negative, but gave me another form to be retested at 6 months.
:o) yes I am sure its in the phonebook,
I just wouldn't know what or how to ask... (painfully shy person, hence the Internet)
Anyways I know it did say antigen, I saw the results on the computer, but hes sending me for the same test,with no remarks about how long after possible exposure.
So I'm just going to assume that it was also an antibody test...because other wise it would just be stupid....
and if thats the case I can trust my 3 month results.......
Thanks
I just wouldn't know what or how to ask... (painfully shy person, hence the Internet)
Anyways I know it did say antigen, I saw the results on the computer, but hes sending me for the same test,with no remarks about how long after possible exposure.
So I'm just going to assume that it was also an antibody test...because other wise it would just be stupid....
and if thats the case I can trust my 3 month results.......
Thanks
Antigen tests have a small window period from 1-3 weeks post exposure. Any antigen test should be followed with an antibody test at the proper time. Canada uses the MEIA test which is the same as the ELISA test in the US. They also use rapid tests. I have no idea where you test but I'm sure it's in the phone book.
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