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Author Topic: Just a couple of questions  (Read 4054 times)

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Offline Carlgonz

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Just a couple of questions
« on: October 27, 2007, 07:58:03 pm »
I just want to make sure nothing has changed regarding the CDC and other organizational policies. 

1) PCR and RNA testing are not intended nor designed to determine the HIV status of an individual.  Correct? 

2) ELISA at 90 days should wrap it up, right?

3) A re-test after 180 days by ELISA?  I guess to make sure of no false negatives?

4) Has any technology or testing been developed to "guarantee" status prior to 90 days?

That's it.  Thanks!

CG

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Offline Carlgonz

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  • Posts: 5
Re: Just a couple of questions
« Reply #1 on: October 27, 2007, 08:25:54 pm »
Let me clarify.  It's not what I meant regarding the CDC and other organizations.  I find the CDC too conserverative, but I don't want to bash.  Just looking for reliable information and feel comfortable here.  This site has been helpful to me and my family.
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Offline Andy Velez

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Re: Just a couple of questions
« Reply #2 on: October 27, 2007, 10:14:13 pm »
1) PCR and RNA testing are not intended nor designed to determine the HIV status of an individual.  Correct?

That's right. They were not designed for diagnostic purposes. They are highly sensitive tests which can not infrequently yield false positives.   

2) ELISA at 90 days should wrap it up, right?

Yes, a negative at 90 days is a definitive negative result.

3) A re-test after 180 days by ELISA?  I guess to make sure of no false negatives?

Re-testing at 180 days is only necessary if IV drug use is involved or the person has a severely compromised immune system such as from treatment for cancer. It is not about false negatives in ordinary situations.

4) Has any technology or testing been developed to "guarantee" status prior to 90 days?

No. There is no absolutely reliable test for an earlier result. 12-13 weeks is still considered by the reliable testing point.
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Andy Velez

Offline Carlgonz

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  • Posts: 5
Re: Just a couple of questions
« Reply #3 on: October 27, 2007, 10:21:54 pm »
Just as I thought!  Thanks for the response.  I have a paper to submit in school and I needed to make sure.  I was unaware of the IV use for the 6 month scenario.  I learn something each day. 

I am also conducting a study on what could've saved my aunt had she lived to 1996.  Still dealing with the after-math of our loss, as my cousins were way too small to be left alone.  Anyway, this may not be the right room to post, but I have been following the PICASSO cohort study. 
 
The PICASSO cohort enrolled 388 HIV-positive people starting a protease inhibitor-based regimen in 1996. All patients had CD4 counts below 100 upon entering the study and were evaluated by the investigators four times during the first year of treatment and every six months thereafter.

If I have questions about this study and other trends, am I permitted to post in the Treatment room?  This may not be the right room.  My intentions are to get reliable information and continue my research and advocacy.

« Last Edit: October 27, 2007, 10:53:03 pm by Carlgonz »
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Offline Ann

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  • It just is, OK?
    • Num is sum qui mentiar tibi?
Re: Just a couple of questions
« Reply #4 on: October 28, 2007, 05:03:40 am »
Carl,

I removed the reply you made in someone else's thread. Please read our Welcome Thread and abide by our posting guidelines.

If you're looking into research, then the Research forum is where you need to go. The Treatment forum is for hiv positive people to discuss treatments they are on or are considering taking. Make sure you read the Welcome Thread that appears at the top of the Reasearch forum, as it is different to the one at the top of this forum.

Ann
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"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

Offline Carlgonz

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  • Posts: 5
Re: Just a couple of questions
« Reply #5 on: October 28, 2007, 10:41:06 am »
Opps!  I missed that rule.  So sorry!  I understand the sensitivity of it.  I would've deleted it myself had I discovered the rule sooner.  It won't happen again.

Will I be permitted to dialogue in the research forum?

Your assistance and help on this matter is greatly appreciated.
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Offline Ann

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  • Posts: 28,134
  • It just is, OK?
    • Num is sum qui mentiar tibi?
Re: Just a couple of questions
« Reply #6 on: October 28, 2007, 11:12:43 am »
Carl,

We don't really encourage it, but we don't disallow it either. If you stick to current or ongoing research, present other people's work correctly (remember to link and cite) and post respectfully, you'll be ok. Make sure you read the Welcome thread for that forum and it would be a good idea for you to read the Living forum Welcome Thread as well, as the posting guidelines found there also apply to Research.

Please be warned that you will not be permitted to use that forum to ask transmission and testing questions. It is a forum for research discussions only.

Ann
« Last Edit: October 28, 2007, 11:14:52 am by Ann »
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Condoms are a girl's best friend

Condom and Lube Info  

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

Offline Carlgonz

  • Member
  • Posts: 5
Re: Just a couple of questions
« Reply #7 on: October 28, 2007, 11:20:10 am »
OK, thanks.  It helps a ton.
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