Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.
March 28, 2024, 05:13:01 am

Login with username, password and session length


Members
  • Total Members: 37612
  • Latest: testABC
Stats
  • Total Posts: 772944
  • Total Topics: 66310
  • Online Today: 373
  • Online Ever: 5484
  • (June 18, 2021, 11:15:29 pm)
Users Online
Users: 0
Guests: 345
Total: 345

Welcome


Welcome to the POZ Community Forums, a round-the-clock discussion area for people with HIV/AIDS, their friends/family/caregivers, and others concerned about HIV/AIDS.  Click on the links below to browse our various forums; scroll down for a glance at the most recent posts; or join in the conversation yourself by registering on the left side of this page.

Privacy Warning:  Please realize that these forums are open to all, and are fully searchable via Google and other search engines. If you are HIV positive and disclose this in our forums, then it is almost the same thing as telling the whole world (or at least the World Wide Web). If this concerns you, then do not use a username or avatar that are self-identifying in any way. We do not allow the deletion of anything you post in these forums, so think before you post.

  • The information shared in these forums, by moderators and members, is designed to complement, not replace, the relationship between an individual and his/her own physician.

  • All members of these forums are, by default, not considered to be licensed medical providers. If otherwise, users must clearly define themselves as such.

  • Forums members must behave at all times with respect and honesty. Posting guidelines, including time-out and banning policies, have been established by the moderators of these forums. Click here for “Do I Have HIV?” posting guidelines. Click here for posting guidelines pertaining to all other POZ community forums.

  • We ask all forums members to provide references for health/medical/scientific information they provide, when it is not a personal experience being discussed. Please provide hyperlinks with full URLs or full citations of published works not available via the Internet. Additionally, all forums members must post information which are true and correct to their knowledge.

  • Product advertisement—including links; banners; editorial content; and clinical trial, study or survey participation—is strictly prohibited by forums members unless permission has been secured from POZ.

To change forums navigation language settings, click here (members only), Register now

Para cambiar sus preferencias de los foros en español, haz clic aquí (sólo miembros), Regístrate ahora

Finished Reading This? You can collapse this or any other box on this page by clicking the symbol in each box.

Welcome to Do I Have HIV?

Welcome to the "Do I Have HIV?" POZ forum.

This special section of the POZ forum is for individuals who have concerns about whether or not they are HIV positive. Individuals are permitted to post up to three questions or responses in this forum.

Ongoing participation in the "Do I Have HIV?" forum (posting more than three questions or responses) requires a paid subscription, with secure payments made via PayPal.

A seven-day subscription is $9.99, a 30-day subscription is $14.99 and a 90-day subscription is $24.99.

Anyone who needs to post more than three messages in the "Do I Have HIV?" forum -- including past, present and future POZ Forums members -- will need to subscribe, with secure payments made via PayPal.

There is no charge to read threads in the "Do I Have HIV?" forum, nor will there be a charge for participating in any of the other POZ forums. In addition, the POZ Basics "HIV Transmission and Risks" and "HIV Testing" basics, will remain accessible to all.

NOTE: HIV testing questions will still need to be posted in the "Do I Have HIV?" forum; attempts to post HIV symptoms or testing questions in any other forums will be considered violations of our rules of membership and subject to time-outs and permanent bans.

To learn how to upgrade your Forums account to participate beyond three posts in the "Do I Have HIV?" Forum, please click here.

Thank you for your understanding and future support of the best online support service for people living with, affected by and at risk for HIV.

Author Topic: What Generation Elisa is the HomeAccess Test?  (Read 8774 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline Question99

  • Member
  • Posts: 5
What Generation Elisa is the HomeAccess Test?
« on: November 09, 2006, 07:45:18 pm »
Loved this forum because of the knowedge of the posters here on specifics like which test was "Generation 1" elisa or "Generation 2" or "Generation 3" .... always very helpful as the window periods for each generation test were shorter.

I was curious what the general concensus was for the HomeAccess Express HIV Test kit.

I was told its the only FDA approved home testing kit, and I just wanted to be sure it was the Generation 3 Elisa with the shorter 4 week window period (not including outliers).

Thanks in advance!

Offline Question99

  • Member
  • Posts: 5
Exactly where does the virus Enter a male?
« Reply #1 on: November 09, 2006, 08:26:35 pm »
I have always wondered this, so Ill ask here.  Hopefully those in the "know" will answer with facts versus those in the "think" with guesses  ;D

Does medical science know where the typical entry point is for the virus, in a male?

I heard Dr. Drew on the radio mention something about the mucous membranes being the most susceptible location for entrypoint into the body, but I haven't been able to confirm that.  Nor my next question which was - exactly where are the mucous membranes on a male?

Where do most scientists believe the virus enters the body on a male?  Some other opinions ive heard even right here on these forums were: 

* "It must go up the length of the urethra and into the body, it cannot pass through the urethral membrane into the bloodstream"
*  "There must be an actual tear or break in the skin for the virus to enter directly into the bloodstream" (seems to me this almost never happens, and it contradicts the theory that anal sex is risky because i dont think there is a tear in the skin of the one GIVING the anal).

What we do know is that the highest risk activity is *receiving* unprotected anal sex.  I assume the assumption here is the giver ejaculates, and the receiver has tears in the skin.  That's the scenario considered highest risk.

Im most curious about the non HIV positive male.  His risk.  If the most common entry point for HIV is just inside the tip of the penis, that would be interesting to know.  If it is required that it pass up the length of the urethra ... then that would be interesting to know as well.  If a tear and bloodshed is required, that would be very interesting and probably make me confused....

I've always felt a male has the smallest risk of acquiring HIV simply because the only possible entry point is a tiny hole at the tip of the penis.  Then I wonder why HIV is so prevalent in gay men.  I can't imagine everyone is just bleeding all over eachother all the time.  Even minor tears - are we to believe that the anal GIVER is torn and bleeding somewhere too?

In any case, this is an interesting topic (in my opinion) and Im interested in hearing people's input.  Just for discussion sake.

Thanks!

PS... Moderator Ann - I tried to PM you but it wouldn't let me.  I have had other usernames in the past but true to form, I cant remember them for the life of me, and the "reminder" tool does not have my email in it anymore.  If you'd like to PM me my username Ill log in there.  Didn't want it to seem like I was making multiple names intentionally.  Thanks!

Offline Ann

  • Administrator
  • Member
  • Posts: 28,134
  • It just is, OK?
    • Num is sum qui mentiar tibi?
Re: What Generation Elisa is the HomeAccess Test?
« Reply #2 on: November 09, 2006, 08:27:12 pm »
Quest,

There is no ELISA test that uses a four week window period. The fourth generation ELISA, when bundled with p24 antigen testing, is very accurate at six weeks, but the official window period everywhere except the State of Massachusetts is three months.

Although a negative result at six weeks on a Home Access test is unlikely to change, they are not conclusive until the three month point.

Ann
 
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 Question99

  • Member
  • Posts: 5
Re: What Generation Elisa is the HomeAccess Test?
« Reply #3 on: November 09, 2006, 08:33:34 pm »
I had read several times on this forum that the 3rd generation test (the most current at that time) window period was 28 days, and extending to the six weeks for the outliers.  Of course CDC cannot say 28 days, and the reasons why were discussed here as well, namely being the outliers.  Outliers of course being the 3% or so of the community that have impaired immune systems which don't respond with the other 97% by 28 days.  There apparently is a 4th generation test now, as per your post.  Good to know!  Do you know if the HomeAccess is 4th generation?  I will of course still wait the 6 weeks if I ever need to use it.

PS there's a note for you in my other thread.

Offline Question99

  • Member
  • Posts: 5
Re: What Generation Elisa is the HomeAccess Test?
« Reply #4 on: November 09, 2006, 08:34:24 pm »
Why did you combine my threads when they were of two completely different topics, and will result in several responses on two completely different topics?

The buttons at the top of the forum say "New Topic" and ... even though I am the same person, the 2nd question was a completely new topic.  Should we not create new topics if the topic is different from the first?
« Last Edit: November 09, 2006, 08:39:52 pm by Question99 »

Offline Ann

  • Administrator
  • Member
  • Posts: 28,134
  • It just is, OK?
    • Num is sum qui mentiar tibi?
Re: What Generation Elisa is the HomeAccess Test?
« Reply #5 on: November 09, 2006, 08:39:31 pm »
Quest,

I've merged your new thread into your original thread - where you should post all your additional thoughts or questions. It helps us to help you when you keep all your additional thoughts or questions in one thread.

If you need help finding your thread when you come here, click on the "Show own posts" link under your name in the left-hand column of any forum page.

Please also read through the Welcome Thread so you can familiarize yourself with our Forum Posting Guidelines. Thank you for your cooperation.

As for the usernames, if you haven't logged in to these forums in a while, chances are you would have had to re-register anyway, as we have new software and everyone had to re-register.

Mucus membranes are any areas of the body that produce mucus - such as the inside of the mouth, urethra, vagina and anus.

It is less common - but not impossible - for the insertive male partner to become infected for the reason you speculate on, which is the small size of the opening of the urethra. It is also possible to sustain abrasions on the penis during insertive anal intercourse through tightness and/or lack of lube. Lack of lube during vaginal intercourse can also cause abrasions.

Please have a read through the Welcome Thread and have a look at the Transmission Lesson linked to there.

Ann
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 Ann

  • Administrator
  • Member
  • Posts: 28,134
  • It just is, OK?
    • Num is sum qui mentiar tibi?
Re: What Generation Elisa is the HomeAccess Test?
« Reply #6 on: November 09, 2006, 08:42:07 pm »
Quote
I had read several times on this forum that the 3rd generation test (the most current at that time) window period was 28 days

Quest,

Where? Can you link to that statement? I've certainly never written any such thing here myself and I don't recall reading it here either. If a poster wrote that in error, it would have been corrected.


Ann
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 Question99

  • Member
  • Posts: 5
Re: What Generation Elisa is the HomeAccess Test?
« Reply #7 on: November 09, 2006, 08:43:49 pm »
Alright getting back to my first original question (the one that existed in this thread initially), does anyone know what generation the HomeAccess test kit is?  Despite our 6 week mantra, I am very clear on the fact that the 1st generation test has a significantly longer window period than the 3rd or 4th, so I would appreciate any input on this actual particular testing kit.

I may very well be wrong on the 28 days but that and "4 weeks" comes to mind for non-outliers.  You didn't draw any distinction between outliers and non outliers, just like CDC does not.  But I am interested in making the distinction if we could.  And these discussions I refer to were over a year ago.

Offline Ann

  • Administrator
  • Member
  • Posts: 28,134
  • It just is, OK?
    • Num is sum qui mentiar tibi?
Re: What Generation Elisa is the HomeAccess Test?
« Reply #8 on: November 09, 2006, 08:53:39 pm »
Quest,

The fact of it is that the vast majority of people who have actually been infected will seroconvert and test positive on an ELISA test by six weeks, regardless of the generation of test. It is also fact that unless you are testing in a Massachusetts State licensed facility, the window period in the US is thirteen weeks.

The only 28 day reference I ever remember hearing concerns PCR testing, which is something we do not recommend, except in very specific circumstances. It is not to be used for general diagnostic testing.

Ann

(edited because I slaughtered the spelling of Massachusetts!)
« Last Edit: November 09, 2006, 09:08:59 pm by Ann »
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 RapidRod

  • Member
  • Posts: 15,288
Re: What Generation Elisa is the HomeAccess Test?
« Reply #9 on: November 09, 2006, 08:58:03 pm »
Here is the phone number 847-781-2500 call them and ask what generation test their Home Access Express  and their Home Access test is.
« Last Edit: November 10, 2006, 10:40:59 am by RapidRod »

Offline Ann

  • Administrator
  • Member
  • Posts: 28,134
  • It just is, OK?
    • Num is sum qui mentiar tibi?
Re: What Generation Elisa is the HomeAccess Test?
« Reply #10 on: November 09, 2006, 09:06:42 pm »
Quest,

By the way, I looked you up in the old forum and you can view your thread here. Please understand that we still have the one account per person rule here in the new forum, so please write your details down and stick to this one account. Thanks. ;)

Ann
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 worried4nothing?

  • Member
  • Posts: 5
Re: What Generation Elisa is the HomeAccess Test?
« Reply #11 on: November 20, 2006, 01:11:56 pm »
Home Access is first generation. The reason they have not updated is because it keeps it affordable to the public.

 


Terms of Membership for these forums
 

© 2024 Smart + Strong. All Rights Reserved.   terms of use and your privacy
Smart + Strong® is a registered trademark of CDM Publishing, LLC.