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How Effective Is HIV Antibody Test In Detecting HIV Infection?
Question: Hi, I want to know how effective is HIV Antibody test? I just went for a test they took one drop of blood from my finger and gave the result after half an hour.....it was written like-"HIV Rapid Test Tulip--Non Reactive"....is this the conclusion of all the confusion of mine?
They asked if I had any exposure in window period? 3 months?? what if I had exposure but not with HIV affected but a clean person? will these affect test?
They told HIV positive person can lead normal life with medications no need to worry.....if this is the case then why many people get scared of it?
I got chicken pox twice in life time why? rashes on scalp & behind ear why? they told to consult skin doctor!!
Overall is this test conclusion of all or do I have to go for any other test....I took test in one of the Non profit HIV organization.
Please advise me on this I am worried about this....cannot sleep....
Brief Answer:
Test is highly reliable and conclusive 12 weeks.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to HCM.
Thanks for posting your queries.
The common test done to detect HIV or the rapid tests are detecting the antibodies against HIV. These antibodies against HIV will appear in the circulation 8-12 weeks after the possible infection. Before this 8-12 weeks period this individual will have the infection but these antibodies would not be present. So the test will show non-reactive. This is called as widow period.
If you had your test 3 months after your last sexual contact, then it would be a conclusive one.
If you had your contact during this time with your known girl friend, if she is beyond doubt HIV free then there is no possibility of getting HIV disease.
People are afraid of this disease because it has stigmatization in the society and not able to reveal this to others.
If you had chicken pox twice means the diagnosis was wrong in one occasion.
Almost all tests marketed are equally good and reliable and testing centers organized by voluntary organization are equally reliable.
If you had this test 12 weeks after your last sex contact, no more test is necessary.
DR S.Murugan
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I had this test after 5 months ....my last exposure was in last october.....Thank you very much sir...a big relief from your answer....u made my day and future days....Gob bless you and ur family have a wonderful days ahead..Thank you
Brief Answer:
HIV free. No more test is necessary.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXX,
Welcome back.
As you had your HIV test 5 months after the risky exposure it is conclusive that you are free from HIV. No more test is necessary.
Have a nice day.
Dr S.Murugan
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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