Rapid hiv testing answers (566)

A: Hi, Ok, hiv is a virus and can lie dormant inside you for up to 16 years, however the majority of cases (95%+) will show symptoms after 6 weeks.  Only 0.02% of suffers were diagnosed after 6 months of exposure. The 6 week test is considered fairly conclusive because the vast majority of people exposed would be showing symptoms by this point, however, that is not to say that every single person who has ever contracted hiv showed at 6 weeks which is why some health authorities like to be doubly, triply sure by performing a 3 or 6 month test.  It just depends on your area. It also depends on your general health.  If your original tests had come back negative then you began to present to your doctor with an increased...

A: Hi, as far as I can tell the tests would be correct in their negative results. The tingling and numbness is unlikely to be a symptom of hiv infection.  hiv attacks the white blood cells in your body.  Early symptoms of infection can be small pathologies, such as increased number of coughs, colds, influenza, as well as swollen lymph nodes. Tingling and numbness can be indicative of many diseases, it may be be worth mentioning this to your doctor the next time you go in.  It could be something a basic as bad circulation, however without further investigation I would be hesitant to give you a more solid diagnosis. As for your peace of mind with hiv infection, it would be prudent to take the 3...

A: Hi Thanks for the question. Well, this test is looking for antibodies to the hiv. So, the same "rule" for standard testing applies - antibodies may not appear for 3 months (or rarely, longer). A negative test at 6 weeks is hopeful (many people, if infected with hiv, will have developed antibodies by this point), but NOT conclusive. You need to repeat the test at 12 weeks/3 months (and some centres recommend another test at 6 months to be absolutely certain). Hope this helps. Feel free to send a follow up. Best wishes Ian...

A: Hi, results from the most commonly used hiv antibody screening test, the ELISA, are not available for 1-2weeks. A rapid test or TRI-DOT kit is available for screening. It produces quick results, usually within 5 to30 minutes. However, if the ELISA shows the blood sample is positive for hiv, then the Western blot is done toconfirm that initial result. Hope it helps. Thanks....

A: Dear Reader, Getting a false positive hiv test result can be stressful, especially when you are expecting. Based on what your say, you can have confidence in your doc and the negative result of your second test. The Western Blot test is a confirmatory test that is definitive, provided you were not infected during the three-months before your exam. For more info on the window period, see How long does an hiv test take? and hiv Transmission: When does it show up on a blood test? If the Western Blot is negative, you do not have any hiv antibodies in your blood. If this still concerns you, you can always have another hiv test. When your blood is tested for

Add your question  ·  Add your comment  ·  Answer to this question  

A: Response from Dr. McGowan Thank for your question. No there is no dietary restriction on when an hiv test can be done. the test measures antibodies against the virus that develop over weeks. The P24 test is a direct measure of part of the virus circulating in the blood, likewise it''s detection would not be affected by eating. Since both screeing are negative this should be very reassuring. Best,JOe...

A: Actually this is suppose to be the one test that they must ask for permission to test for before you take it (including a signature), but things could change depeding on the state that you live in and the Bush administration. In Oregon they need your permisson and need to tell you that this test is being performed. There should be no reason that you need to get the test taken at a separate lab since there is such a high level of confidentiality concerning hiv in the US. I have heard of a case where an insurance company had performed the test without the person knowing, but I find this highly suspicious. If you have concerns about your hiv status then I would suggest asking for an hiv rapid...

A: Hi Thanks for the follow-up. Well, I haven"t seen any evidence for hiv not showing up for 8 months...the test is usually assumed to be a reliable indicator at 3 months of the presence of hiv infection. "Making out" does not usually carry a risk of hiv transmission... Hope this helps! It sounds like you don"t need to worry about hiv here. Best wishes Ian...

A: You need to test 1-3 months after exposure for a definitive result. testing at 3 weeks is testing within the window period where you could receive a false negative. If you did in fact have hiv, you would NOT be experiencing hiv-related symptoms this quickly. It takes years for symptoms to develop. You should have your symptoms checked out by a doctor....

A: Response from Dr. Pierone Hello and thanks for posting. I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis of lymphoma. When the results of hiv tests are inconsistent, repeat testing will almost always clarify the situation. I would repeat the ELISA, Western Blot, and quantitative PCR for hiv. In the meanwhile, the staging and treatment for lymphoma should not be delayed. Good luck to you!...