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What Is The Window Period For HIV Test?
Question: What is the HIV testing protocol?
I think initial test must be Antibody. When the test suppose to be done after exposure?
I think initial test must be Antibody. When the test suppose to be done after exposure?
Brief Answer:
Two HIV antibody tests with different types of kits 100% confirmatory
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to HCM.
Thanks for posting your query.
Antibody against HIV in the presence of infection would appear in the blood by 6-8 weeks and may be delayed up to 3 months. These antibodies are detected by the HIV tests like ELISA. Western blot and Rapid tests. These test will either confirm or ruled out HIV 1 and 2 after the above mentioned window period. These tests would be conclusive after 3 months after the high risk contact. If the test done with two different types of test kits then the result could be reliable 100%.
If anybody wants to have tested earlier in the window period, then any one of the Antigen tests ( DNA PCR, P24 antigen test or RNA PCR Qualitative test) can be preferred. They become conclusive by 3-4 weeks. But they usually detects only HIV 1 antigen unless it is specified for HIV 2 .
Dr S.Murugan
Two HIV antibody tests with different types of kits 100% confirmatory
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to HCM.
Thanks for posting your query.
Antibody against HIV in the presence of infection would appear in the blood by 6-8 weeks and may be delayed up to 3 months. These antibodies are detected by the HIV tests like ELISA. Western blot and Rapid tests. These test will either confirm or ruled out HIV 1 and 2 after the above mentioned window period. These tests would be conclusive after 3 months after the high risk contact. If the test done with two different types of test kits then the result could be reliable 100%.
If anybody wants to have tested earlier in the window period, then any one of the Antigen tests ( DNA PCR, P24 antigen test or RNA PCR Qualitative test) can be preferred. They become conclusive by 3-4 weeks. But they usually detects only HIV 1 antigen unless it is specified for HIV 2 .
Dr S.Murugan
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Thanks.
I tested hiv negative after 7 months of exposure. From 2 different private local labs. One done using vitro eci another using tri dot method. Both negative.
Is it 100% confirmed? Are local private labs reliable?
I tested hiv negative after 7 months of exposure. From 2 different private local labs. One done using vitro eci another using tri dot method. Both negative.
Is it 100% confirmed? Are local private labs reliable?
Brief Answer:
You are free from HIV 1 and 2. This is a conclusive and confirmatory result
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
You had your antibody tests well after 3 months, that too twice. It is very well confirmed. 100% reliable.
Test procedures are very simple. Any small lab.people can perform these tests without any difficulty. Technical errors are least possible. Test kits are made by well reputed companies and they are well standardized and reliable to an extent of more than 98%. When two test became negative with different kits it is 100% confirmatory. So nothing to worry.
Dr S.Murugan
You are free from HIV 1 and 2. This is a conclusive and confirmatory result
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
You had your antibody tests well after 3 months, that too twice. It is very well confirmed. 100% reliable.
Test procedures are very simple. Any small lab.people can perform these tests without any difficulty. Technical errors are least possible. Test kits are made by well reputed companies and they are well standardized and reliable to an extent of more than 98%. When two test became negative with different kits it is 100% confirmatory. So nothing to worry.
Dr S.Murugan
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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