Ag/Ab test on day 30th

[phucthien]

Hello,
I had an HIV exposure risk about 30 days ago. In fact I don't remember exactly but it could range from 29 to 32 days. On that day I had sex with a sex worker and during the course the condom torn. I am a little bit sick at that moment and the course lasted for about 10 mins. I only know that the condom is torn after I finish and right then I've washed my penis with water for about 2 mins.

I have tested twice using the same test method "HIV Ag/Ab". First test on day 4-6th and the 2nd test is today, on day 30-32th. Both test results are Negative.

Please help me with some questions:
1. Is "HIV Ag/Ab" test the IV gen test and is it an unique name for the test method. I've read that this test is introduce by Abbott but with the name ACHITECT Ag/Ab Combo. Though I think the test center might use a non-Abbott machine. As the test result just said "HIV Ag/Ab" I don't know if that is the right test I expected.

2. Some people on Internet said that this Ag/Ab test should be done during the 3-4 weeks. I did the test on day 30th, at least 2 days later than the suggestion. Is the test result still good ?

3. I feel less pressure ater having the test result but will do another on week 13th. However, if the test I did on day 30th is not an equivalent test for my case, can you suggest another test method that I should use please ?

Many thanks

[RainLover71]

87 days is conclusive.

[phucthien]

Hi,

On this Saturday it will be mine 12 weeks + 3 days (87 days). If I take a test should it be conclusive or should I wait for exactly 3 "months" ?

Thanks

[Teak]

You're welcome.

[phucthien]

Thanks, Teak.

[Teak]

No.

[phucthien]

I'd like to have another question following my case. Might the test result affected if at test time I use medicine for stomachache. Also, can the stomach ache itself affect the result ?

Thanks

[RainLover71]

Look the bottom line here is that a DUO test is 99.89% reliable at 4 weeks and it was designed by the manufactures as an early detection test.It is only recommended to test up to 3 months after a negative DUO if the exposure was high risk and freedomhealth explain this very clearly.

[phucthien]

Thank you, i also found the  similar information on freedomhealth.

@Teak: I understand that I should follow the guideline and that i need a test on 3 months to be conclusive.

People like me can feel how hard it is when holding the test result in hand and start reading it. Having a negative test result builds up confidence and reduces stress. These days are very hard as it's 1/4 of an year living with fear.

[Teak]

This forum follows the manufacture,FDA and the CDC. FDA is the highest level of the three.

[RainLover71]

Does this forum follow the CDC guidelines?

[Teak]

They don't write the guidelines and this forum follows the manufactures and the FDA  guidelines.

[RainLover71]

The freedomhealth team say the DUO even after 28 days is extremely accurate and they have done studies on infected patients who still had high levels of p24 antigen long after 4 weeks.You have a very good result there--just top it off at 3 months.

[Teak]

UK Fourth Generation  Testing
http://www.bhiva.org/documents/Guidelines/Testing/GlinesHIVTest08.pdf
Post testing
Page 11
The need for a repeat HIV test if still within the window period after a specific exposure should be discussed. Although fourth generation tests shorten the time from exposure to seroconversion a repeat test at three months is still recommended to definitively exclude HIV infection.

[phucthien]

Hi nursegirl6572. Thanks for your reply.

When you say "there is no benefit at all to taking that test after 4 weeks" do you mean I've taken the test at the wrong time as it's week 5 ?

In this article (http://www.medhelp.org/user_journals/show/167465/Whats-the-best-HIV-Test-) doctor Jose wrote about the DUO test "This HIV test is licensed in the EU for use after 28 days after a possible exposure."

[nursegirl6572]

Ag/Ab is a DUO test, it tests for both antibodies and the antigen.  There is no benefit at all to taking that test after 4 weeks.

A 30 day negative DUO is a good sign, but certainly not conclusive.  If you cannot wait until the 3 month mark, you could take a simple antibody test (ELISA) at the 8 week mark.  That test would be highly unlikely to change and should ease your mind a bit.  Then, follow up with the antibody tes at 3 months.

[phucthien]

Thank Teak for the quick answer. I understand that I will have to wait 2 more months. The problem is, and i think people in my similar situation are the same, how to reduce the level of stress I have so I can still work and live.

If I know more about the test and if its result has some % of correctiveness, that would help a lot. I am confused about the test method that my test center used. Does "Ag/Ab" mean its a IV generation test ? or in other word, is there any older test method has similar name ?

Is this quick test should ONLY be taken during week 3 and 4 ? I took the test on day 30th so I wonder that if I test on the right time or not. If not then what alternative method should I use ?

[Teak]

3 month post exposure is when you can obtain your conclusive negative test result.