[Question #12371] Hiv Testing conclusive

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8 months ago

Dear Doc

 

I'm seeking clarification on my HIV test results.

 

On October 19 and 26, I had unprotected vaginal intercourse. Subsequently, I developed discharge and tested positive for gonorrhea on November 1. After completing treatment, I underwent HIV testing using the Abbott Early Detect/Determine (4th generation) test kit.

 

To confirm, I had laboratory tests on this kit with blood from the vein 

 

# Testing Timeline

1. *14th day*: Initial test

2. *25th day*: Follow-up test

3. *34th day*: Additional test

4. *42nd day*: Final test

 

All tests yielded negative results. My doctor considers these conclusive, but I'm concerned about potential discrepancies between laboratory tests (6 weeks) and point-of-care (POC) tests (90 days).

 Can I confidently consider my results conclusive, or should I undergo further testing?



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8 months ago
Just wanted to further add that i have not seen any symptoms on myself so far. Would it be safe to have sex with my regular partner without protection now considering I'm certain of her status  .

Are the poc 4th gen by abott (early detect/ determine etc) as good as all other hiv combo tests 
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
8 months ago
Welcome. Thank you for your confidence in our services.

The point of care antigen-antibody (AgAb, "combo", "4th generation") blood tests are equally accurate as the lab based tests. The available data don't show any difference between them, although some experts would stand by the lab-based tests as very slightly better. Your chance of HIV from the exposure described was probably under one chance in a thousand, even if your partner had HIV -- which probably she didn't. All things considered, the chance you have HIV is under one in many millions, and it is entirely safe to have unprotected sex with your partner. That's what I would do if somehow I were in your situation. It's entirely up to you whether to consider a lab based test for final reassurance.

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

HHH, MD
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8 months ago
Doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

I would further like to add that you say what you do because the chance for miniscule or because you believe that the 4th gen poc test is accurate and conclusive at 42 days.

  My only question is that if the test that I took at 42 days should be considered as conclusive (considering the earlier negatives as well ) or I should do another test later . 

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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
8 months ago
I don't know how to say it better than I did above. The recommendation of CDC is that on rare occasions it can take up to 45 days for the AgAb tests to be positive, so that's when it can be considered conclusive. However, I've never seen or heard of a patient in whom it took longer than 42 days, so I would say your current results are conclusive. And so does your own doctor. But I've also told you why you might want to consider a lab-based final test.---
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8 months ago

Does the method of blood collection (finger prick vs. venous blood) affect the accuracy of this kind of test?

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8 months ago
Also I would like to thank you for absolute clarity on the answers that you gave me earlier . 
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
8 months ago
We're already discussed the slight preference for lab based tests (venous) vs POC tests (finger stick). But it isn't the blood collection method that makes the difference.

That completes the two follow-up comments and replies included with each question and so ends this thread. I'm glad the discussion has been helpful. Thank you for your kind comments about my replies. Best wishes and stay safe.
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