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.
Xhost has hit the nail right on the head.
In Australia many labs stop testing at 6 weeks, Massuachusetts agree with it and so does Dr HHH and Dr Ewh
Most of the 4th generation tests detect HIV as early as 2-3 weeks and 6 weeks is a kind of padding to be on the safe side to detect the vast majority
See this chart from the VIDAS duo manufacturers , which is claimed to be the most sensitive:
http://www.biomerieux-diagnostics.com/upload/HIV_Ultra.jpg
In Australia many labs stop testing at 6 weeks, Massuachusetts agree with it and so does Dr HHH and Dr Ewh
Most of the 4th generation tests detect HIV as early as 2-3 weeks and 6 weeks is a kind of padding to be on the safe side to detect the vast majority
See this chart from the VIDAS duo manufacturers , which is claimed to be the most sensitive:
http://www.biomerieux-diagnostics.com/upload/HIV_Ultra.jpg
I couldnt find what generation it is, you can contact orasure and ask them, but they said that window period for their test is 3 months,
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the HIV Prevention Community
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
Can I get HIV from surfaces, like toilet seats?
Can you get HIV from casual contact, like hugging?
Frequency of HIV testing depends on your risk.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may help prevent HIV infection.
