Testing Window with Rapid blood antibody tests

[NervousinUT]

Hello and thank you for taking the time to answer my question.

I just tested negative at 94 days with a rapid blood test (clearview complete 1/2) it was my understanding that tests at or after 90 days are considerd conclusive. The counselor at the site told me that it is only 95% and that I needed to test again at 6 months. In addition here in the states the CDC's website still states that only 97% people will have seroconverted at 3 months.

My risk was very low (genital rubbing with no insertion), but I came down with swollen lymph nodes and a sore red throat 3.5 weeks later that are both persisting to this day (8 weeks later). My doctor is currently referring me to an ENT. I have read and understand that my risk was low to none but I just can not get over the timing as I have always enjoyed good health.

I was hoping you can help clarify:
1. The current testing window
2. Does it make a difference if a rapid blood test (antibody only) and not a lab based test was used
3. Do possible symptoms change the testing window

Once again thank you for you time and consideration.

[jkinatl2]

1. I am sorry you were misinformed. The current testing window IS three months. Only people undergoing chemotherapy (which wipes out the immune response, making HIV antibody production impossible) and rare cases of long term IV drug use-associated immunodeficiency ever take longer. You would know if you were in those rare groups.

Also, watching my dad take chemo makes me salute anyone who can have sex during.

2. No difference in the accuracy of testing.

3. Symptoms mean nothing.

4 (you didnt ask) - you had NO RISK for HIV. HIV is sexually transmitted during unprotected anal and vaginal intercourse. Period.

[Ann]

Nervous,

Genital rubbing without penetration is called frottage and frottage is NOT a risk for hiv infection.

Your test is conclusive - and it would have been conclusive even if you did have a risk (you did NOT have a risk). The window period has been three months for years now, but sadly many doctors do not keep up-to-date on their hiv knowledge.

Here's what you need to know in order to avoid hiv infection:

You need to be using condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse, every time, no exceptions until such time as you are in a securely monogamous relationship where you have both tested for ALL sexually transmitted infections together.

To agree to have unprotected intercourse is to consent to the possibility of being infected with an STI. Sex without a condom lasts only a matter of minutes, but hiv is forever.

Have a look through the condom and lube links in my signature line so you can use condoms with confidence.

ALTHOUGH YOU DO NOT NEED FURTHER HIV TESTING AT THIS TIME, anyone who is sexually active should be having a full sexual health care check-up, including but not limited to hiv testing, at least once a year and more often if unprotected intercourse occurs.

If you aren't already having regular, routine check-ups, now is the time to start. As long as you make sure condoms are being used for intercourse, you can fully expect your routine hiv tests to return with negative results.

Don't forget to always get checked for all the other sexually transmitted infections as well, because they are MUCH easier to transmit than hiv. Some of the other STIs can be present with no obvious symptoms, so the only way to know for sure is to test.

Use condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse, correctly and consistently, and you will avoid hiv infection. It really is that simple!

Ann

[NervousinUT]

Thank you for your quick reply. You cannot believe how much reading your answers today, and the past three months has helped out.

Maybe not the proper forum but I was wondering if you could explain why if its so clear cut that three months is conclusive, why so many reputable source (CDC, Canada Public Health Agency, etc.) are still stating that retesting at six month is required. From my perspective its beyond frustrating, in that you cannot move on and constantly have the unknown hanging over you head.

Sorry to be a pest I had myself convinced that 90 days would be the end, one way or another, but the contradictions in policies and guidelines is just not allowing me to let go the way I should.

[RapidRod]

Apparently you are not getting up to date information.

http://www.cdc.gov/globalaids/Resources/pmtct-care/docs/TM/Module_6TM.pdf
Page 11
#4
  In an adult, a positive HIV antibody test result means that the person is infected, a person with a negative or inconclusive result may be in the “window for 4 to 6 weeks but occasionally up to 3 months after HIV exposure. Persons at high risk who initially test negative should be retested 3 months after exposure to confirm results