[Question #9933] rapid test question

27 months ago

hey doctors:

in browsing recent questions, i read doctor HH say this: in question 9880

you should understand that rapid tests are inherently less reliable than lab-based HIV blood tests, with small but real chances (1-5%?) of missing cases. As noted above, a negative AgAb lab test at 6 weeks is 100% conclusive.

confusing me is that i understood rapid finger prick 4th generation alere determine tests commonly offered in clinics across the usa to be equally accurate to lab based tests.

did the doctor mean Oraquick tests in his reply here?

thank you

Edward W. Hook M.D.

27 months ago

Welcome back to the forum. I apologize for any confusion. Tests for HIV are available as third generation tests which test only for antibodies to the virus and are conclusive after eight weeks. In contrast, fourth generation tests for HIV test for both the HIV antigen and antibody and are absolutely conclusive anytime more than six weeks after and exposure and are more than 99% conclusive after four weeks.

Both third and fourth generation test for HIV are also available as rapid tests. In addition, among third generation tests, there are tests which test blood and tests which test oral fluid, the Oraquick test The Oraquick test is a third generation type test which test for antibodies in oral fluid as opposed to blood. The. 1-5% missing rate mentioned by Dr. Handsfield was referring to the oraquick test which has had problems as problems with recently acquired infection.

You can have absolute confidence in your fourth generation rapid test results anytime more than six weeks after an exposure.

I hope this information clarifies things, but if there are further questions, or any part of my responses unclear, please don’t hesitate to use your up to two follow ups for clarification. EWH.

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27 months ago

thank you.

the original poster of the question mentioned:

Therefore i checked myself with a 3rd gen fingerprick hiv rapid test.

if it was a fingerprick test it would be a blood test i think? so i think perhaps Doctor HH misread what test the poster was using — maybe worthwhile to change his reply so that others don’t get confused?

lastly, is it true what i thought and think i have read here that the 4th gen alere determine rapid test i mentioned is equal in accuracy to the lab based tests?

thank you

27 months ago

oops, i meant to say:

lastly, is it true what i thought and think i have read here that the 4th gen alere determine rapid test i mentioned taken after six weeks past any exposure is equal in accuracy to the lab based tests?

thanks again

27 months ago

sorry! i also wanted to mention that i took this test 3 years ago. so my question applies to tests manufactured then. i doubt this makes much of a difference but thought i should mention that as well.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

27 months ago

Straight to your follow ups. You are correct.

The results of yourAlere fourth generation combination test for HIV were conclusive when taken anytime more than six weeks following an exposure, and should be believed. This statement is applicable for all tests, including those that were manufactured three years or more ago.

I encourage you to put your concerns aside and move forward. EWH.

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