1- regrading Hiv pcr test , in some clinic they use GeneXpert technology, Xpert HIV-1 Qual test, which gives you the result in 3 hours ? Is it reliable and can i trust the result ? Because what i know hiv pcr test takes 3 to 7 days for the result.

1. You misunderstand the reasons for the timing you describe. The standard PCR tests take a couple of hours, maybe up to 4 hours or a bit longer in some cases. All time longer than that is taken by transport of the specimen to the laboratory; often batching specimens until a minimum number come in (except for emergency cases, when same day testing generally is available); and communication of results to the requesting doctor, clinic or patient. GeneXpert is intended for immediate results while the patient remains in the clinic or office, as opposed to several hours. In any case, the GeneXpert HIV-1 test and standard PCR are equally reliable for HIV1 infection.

2. This duplicates one of your questions last time. The answer hasn't changed. The AgAb (4th generation) HIV blood tests are conclusive by 6 weeks. There is never a need to wait longer than that.

For those reasons, a negative PCR plus negative AgAb test at 90 days of course will be conclusive. But you really don't need testing at all. What don't you understand about the reasoned, science based advice you have had here? We don't necessarily expect users to believe us -- but you can be absolutely certain the answers will always be the same on this forum, regardless of which moderator responds.

Let me know anything (still?) isn't clear. But I will not reply to any questions that have already been asked and answered, or whose answers are obvious from what has been said so far. OK?

HHH, MD

Much appreciated. I do trust science and trust your advice, the terrible anxiety i’m having is why for all that i do apologize about it form my heart 

Kindly Last tow question Doctor ,

1- while there is some symptoms appearing and had an hiv 4th gen test on the same time, for sure the result should be positive in case of infection right it can’t miss infection while symptoms appears?

2- you recommend having  GeneXpert technology, Xpert HIV-1  or normal pcr (qualitative ) test for diagnosis  ? 

Many Thanks 

And sorry 

2. In your case, I recommend neither one. When PCR testing is required or recommended, I would advise either test without preference -- except when time is of the essence. GeneXpert is an important advice in settings, for example, like under developed countries where someone might attend a clinic far from home, in whom it is not practical to return to learn the test result, and therefore should be tested on site without delay. It is a less important advance in most clinical settings in industrialized countries.

All the best for you and your family

Is HIV I/I Ag/ Ab test .. consider 4th generation even if its not mentioning that right ?

Regards 

That concludes this thread. Repeated anxiety driven questions on the same topic are not permitted, and excessive ones are subject to being deleted without reply. So this will have to be your last one about the exposure you described in your previous threads, your worries about it, or about HIV test types and their reliability. Thank you for your understanding. I hope the discussions help you move along without further worry. Best wishes.