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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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When Can I Take A Combo Test For HIV?

Hi everybody my question is about the dateof combo test .

I went a doctor and wanted him to test me for HIV and it was my 40th day after the sex and i didn't use condom.

In combo test 40 day is enough,early or late ? Because there maybe not antigien -p24 of virus ..
Tue, 1 Jul 2014
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Infectious Diseases Specialist,  's  Response
Hi,

Welcome to HCM,

I understand your concern about the best day to do a combo test.

A combo test is a combination of tests which includes test for p24 antigen and test for antibodies against HIV 1 and 2.

After entry into the body, HIV multiplies in the lymph nodes for up to 4-11 days and then spills into the blood. Hence, can be detectable only after 4 days of exposure. There is no test to detect HIV within 4 days of exposure. Antibodies against HIV develop in about 3 weeks to 12 weeks from exposure.

So if you are undergoing a combo test best time would be after 3 weeks of exposure.

40th day is adequate.

Thanks.
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When Can I Take A Combo Test For HIV?

Hi, Welcome to HCM, I understand your concern about the best day to do a combo test. A combo test is a combination of tests which includes test for p24 antigen and test for antibodies against HIV 1 and 2. After entry into the body, HIV multiplies in the lymph nodes for up to 4-11 days and then spills into the blood. Hence, can be detectable only after 4 days of exposure. There is no test to detect HIV within 4 days of exposure. Antibodies against HIV develop in about 3 weeks to 12 weeks from exposure. So if you are undergoing a combo test best time would be after 3 weeks of exposure. 40th day is adequate. Thanks.