[Question #10988] Testing

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18 months ago
Hi, I had a low risk exposure. Since then, I got a 4th generation test at 7 weeks which was negative. My question is, can I 100% trust this test? Does it matter what country I'm in when I take the test (was new zealand)? Ie are all 4th generation tests the same quality and have the same window period in every country? Thank you
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
18 months ago
Welcome back. Thank you for your continued confidence in our services. I'm taking this question, but I reviewed your recent discussion with Dr. Hook. I agree with all he said.

Among other things, Dr. Hook advised that an HIV antigen-antibody test (AgAb, i.e. 4th generation) after 6 weeks would be conclusive. That remains the case -- you can trust the test for sure. From the nature of your exposure and earlier test results -- the low chance your partner had HIV and the reliability of your earlier tests -- I would judge the probability you had HIV to be well under one chance in a million, before this test result. Where this test was done makes no difference -- most countries use exactly the same tests, which are so standardized that just about any lab produces reliable results, and thus the same window period. And of course from a medical care standpoint, New Zealand is a highly sophisticated country.

For those reasons, you definitely can rely on your negative result. No more testing is necessary.

I hope these comments are helpful. Let me know if anything isn't clear.

HHH, MD
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18 months ago
Thank you very much. I assume you mean well over 1 million. I will move on now. 
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
18 months ago
I stated it correctly. The possibility you have HIV is lower than one chance in a million -- maybe one in ten million or lower.---
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18 months ago
Thank you. And that was before the test at 7 weeks right? So now it is 100% nil chance based on my understanding. Last question  from me...Thank you so much for the great service you provide.
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
18 months ago
Yes, that was before your 7 week result. It is certain you do not have HIV.

Thanks for the thanks--  I'm glad to have helped.
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