[Question #11704] Rapid tests accuracy

12 months ago

HI, THE LAST TIME I FORGOT TO ASK ABOUT THE ACCURACY OF RAPID TESTS AND IM NERVOUS TO HAVE SEX UNPROTECTED WITH MY WIFE THE I READ AN ANSWER OF YOU DR. HANDSFIELD ABOUT THAT RAPID TESTS HAVE LESS ACCURACY IN DETECTION OF HIV. HERE IS THE ANSWER

You can find answers about the different kinds of HIV test with an easy online search. I would advise that if and when you had particular exposures that concern you, have a lab-based AgAb (4th generation, "duo") test, ideally at 6 weeks after the exposure.If the risk is especially high, you can have both an RNA test at 2 weeks and an AgAb test at 4 weeks. The rapid tests are somewhat less reliable, and you should never have an oral fluids test (Oraquick) which never becomes positive in 2-5% of HIV infected persons.

IS THIS TRUE? BECAUSE THE TESTS OF MY SEXUAL PARTNER AND I ONLY WERE RAPID TESTS.

THANKS FOR ALL

Edward W. Hook M.D.

12 months ago

Welcome back to the forum although I am sorry you felt the need. As Dr. Handsfield said during your recent interaction "So you describe a near zero risk encounter, even if your partner had not been tested for HIV -- and her negative test proves you were not exposed. None of her drugs had any effect on her test results."

You did not need testing."

I agree with these statements. Although rapid tests are slightly less sensitive than lab based tests, with multiple tests the likelihood that a rapid test has missed an infection becomes lower and lower. The fact that you and your partner have both had multiple negative tests at times when the results are reliable provides strong evidence that neither you nor she has HIV. I encourage you to accept the results and more forward. If you cannot do that, then a final 4th generation, combination HIV antigen/antibody test at this time will be negative an prove that you were not infected.

Please accept your test results and move forward without concern. you are worrying needlessly EWH

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12 months ago

I RECENTLY TOOK A 4TH GEN LAB BASED TEST BUT WAS ONLY ANTIGEN AND SEPARATED FROM 3RD GEN RAPID TEST, BOTH NEGATIVE. BECAUSE THE LABORATORIE THAT I TOOK IT ONLY HAD THE 4TH GEN CMIA SEPARATED, AND THEY PRACTICED ME FROM VENOUS BLOOD A 3RD GEN RAPID TEST AND 4TH GEN ONLY ANTIGEN TEST CMIA, (SPLITTED) THIS IS RELIABLE OR THE 4TH GEN NEED TO BE IN DUO? CONSIDERING THESE TESTS ARE 19 WEEKS AGO FROM MY SINGLE EXPOSURE.

12 months ago

I JUST WANT TO ADD THAT RAPID TESTS WERE MADE WITH SERUM. AT THIS TIME ALMOST 20 WEEKS AFTER MY ONLY EXPOSURE THE TESTS FROM POCTS CAN MISSED A HIV INFECTION DETECTION

Edward W. Hook M.D.

12 months ago

That the tests were separated is not a problem. They prove, once again, conclusively that you do not have HIV. You do not need further testing. You need to accept the results and move forward without concern.

You have one follow up remaining. EWH

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