[Question #11052] Sensitivity of the antigen part of the 4th generation test
17 months ago
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Dear Drs,
I am so sorry for asking more questions. Please don’t delete it. I still have questions about the sensitivity of the antigen part of the 4th generation test. I am not sure if it is sensitive enough to detect the P24 antigens in my body if I am in the late stage of infection and my body cannot produce enough antibodies. I read a seronegative case in Japan, in which the 4th generation test was only "weak positive" and the author of that journal said that the p24 antigen part of the 4th generation test was not sensitive. I put the link below
I am not sure if current 4th generation test could detect the antigens in my blood if I am seronegative. I haven't engaged in sexually activities for 2 or 3 years.
I am very hesitate to take an Rna test because I don't trust website like stdcheck and my and it takes too long to receive the result. I am alone in this country, I'm not able to do it without emotional support. Waiting the 4th generation test results and 1-2 days had already killed me. Can I just move on without taking any further test despite any symptoms? My oral problems keep me from moving on, my teeth are shaky because of periodontitis and sometimes my tongue is white. I am scared by the seronegative cases and afraid more scary symptoms will occur to my body. Could you please help me. I am literally seeing a therapist.
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
17 months ago
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You're still overthinking this. That case is entirely irrelevant, someone who had overt AIDS and acquired HIV years earlier. That's a very different situation that doesn't apply to outwardly healthy persons with relatively recent exposures.
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Get the RNA test if you remain concerned; your reason not to do so is irrational.
From your previous thread: "Like many anxious persons, it is apparent you are being drawn to unreliable information that inflames your fears, and missing all the available science-based reassuring information." STOP SEARCHING! Believe me when I say this: There is nothing more you will think of, or information you find online, that could change our assessment and advice, so no more asking. Perhaps it also will help to know that in the 20 years of this and our preceding forum, with thousands of quesitons from persons worries about having HIV, not one has yet reported they were infected after all. You will not be the first. If and when it finally happens, surely it will be from a truly risky exposure, and will not have initially false or atypical test results.
There will be no opportunity for discussion. And this truly is your last post on this issue: any others will not even have this much reply but will be deleted without comment.
I hope this finally helps you move on without worry. Good luck to you.
HHH, MD
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