POZ Community Forums

HIV Prevention and Testing => Do I Have HIV? => Topic started by: quietman on January 26, 2010, 01:28:53 pm

Title: testing concern
Post by: quietman on January 26, 2010, 01:28:53 pm
Hi,

I took a rapid test today at a local hospital and the method they used is called chromatography immunoassay.

it turned out -ve, but the dr. told me to have a six month test in order to be conclusive.

i hv read from the internet that 3 months is definite for hiv testing. i am in malaysia, is there any differences btw the test method in the country compare to the US, whereby we need to wait 6 moonths to conclude our status.

appreciate if you can answer my concern.

Thank you very much.

rgds,
Title: Re: testing concern
Post by: RapidRod on January 26, 2010, 01:31:40 pm
3 months is conclusive. Your test is conclusively negative.
Title: Re: testing concern
Post by: Andy Velez on January 26, 2010, 02:25:10 pm
In general 3 months is sufficiient for a reliable HIV test result.

The only exceptions to that and extending the testing to 6 months are when extensive intravenous drug use or a severely compromised immune system due to  organ transplant or treatment for cancer are involved.

Assuming none of those are involved then you are HIV negative and no further testing is necessary.