Aa
window period data?
Hi everyone,
I was wondering if anyone has seen any real data on the window period question? Maybe studies of seroconversion times, etc. I am still very confused and somewhat upset about the uncertainty out there. I did call the Mass state hotline and they tell everyone that the window period for a conclusive HIV antibody test (independent of test generation or kind of test btw) is 6 weeks. In their view, the CDC is being tooo conservative and only people with suppressed immune systems would take longer than 6 weeks. Now the CDC will say that 3 months is conclusive and that people with weakened immune systemms might in fact take 6 MONTHs to convert. ANd the guys on the aidsmeds forum are sharing that view (some of those folks are misinformed about the Mass guidelines btw and state test performance as a reason for the inconsistency which is NOT the case).
The counselors on the Mass hotline say that the state has the exact same data and the exact same tests as almost everyone in the US and that their conclusion is that 6 weeks is more than enough time for a conclusive result.
So then why does the CDC still recommend 3 months??
Did anyone actually see any data/studies? I know Dr H repeatedly said that the exact experiment on thsi will never been done for ethical reasons and I buy that. But what data are the window periods out there based on then?
Thanks.
I was wondering if anyone has seen any real data on the window period question? Maybe studies of seroconversion times, etc. I am still very confused and somewhat upset about the uncertainty out there. I did call the Mass state hotline and they tell everyone that the window period for a conclusive HIV antibody test (independent of test generation or kind of test btw) is 6 weeks. In their view, the CDC is being tooo conservative and only people with suppressed immune systems would take longer than 6 weeks. Now the CDC will say that 3 months is conclusive and that people with weakened immune systemms might in fact take 6 MONTHs to convert. ANd the guys on the aidsmeds forum are sharing that view (some of those folks are misinformed about the Mass guidelines btw and state test performance as a reason for the inconsistency which is NOT the case).
The counselors on the Mass hotline say that the state has the exact same data and the exact same tests as almost everyone in the US and that their conclusion is that 6 weeks is more than enough time for a conclusive result.
So then why does the CDC still recommend 3 months??
Did anyone actually see any data/studies? I know Dr H repeatedly said that the exact experiment on thsi will never been done for ethical reasons and I buy that. But what data are the window periods out there based on then?
Thanks.
All the information regarding the tests can be found here.
http://hivinsite.ucsf.edu/InSite?page=kb-00&doc=kb-02-02-01
http://hivinsite.ucsf.edu/InSite?page=kb-00&doc=kb-02-02-01
http://www.biomerieux-diagnostics.com/upload/HIV_Ultra.jpg
The above chart says any 3rd generation can detect infection from 5th weeks? any one can commment pls.
The above chart says any 3rd generation can detect infection from 5th weeks? any one can commment pls.
Thanks, and can you please reply to my e-mail about my lady friend. I appreciate this.
A 4th generation test is a 3rd generation ELISA with an antigen detection layer.
If anything the Antibody detection is slightly less sensitive on a 4th generation than in a 4rd generation.
If anything the Antibody detection is slightly less sensitive on a 4th generation than in a 4rd generation.
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