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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is The Rapid Card Test Enough To Ascertain HIV Negative ?

Hi, I donated blood to one of the heart hospitals two weeks back. I received a call from them yesterday stating that they have done some blanket test and they are not sure if I am HIV positive or Hepatitis Positive. Following the call I went for a Rapid Card Test of HIV and that came out to be negative. I have given blood samples for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C virus Antybody test. I would get the results by tomorrow. I am man of clean habits and I have no reason to believe that I will contract HIV. Is the Rapid Card test enough to ascertain HIV negative?
Thu, 7 Apr 2011
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Pathologist and Microbiologist,  's  Response
Rapid Card test (also known as Rapid Immunochromatographic assay) is only a screening test for HIV and may be negative if the person is in window period. i.e. upto 3-6 months after acquiring the infection. One can detect early infection by PCR technique. Confirmatory tests for HIV are ELISA and Western Blot.
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Is The Rapid Card Test Enough To Ascertain HIV Negative ?

Rapid Card test (also known as Rapid Immunochromatographic assay) is only a screening test for HIV and may be negative if the person is in window period. i.e. upto 3-6 months after acquiring the infection. One can detect early infection by PCR technique. Confirmatory tests for HIV are ELISA and Western Blot.