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Is Another HIV Test Required If The HIV CMIA Test Results Are Negative?

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Posted on Mon, 6 Nov 2017
Question: Got HIV COMBO CMIA test done at 16th day, 4 
weeks, 6 weeks, 8 weeks, 10 weeks and 85th day mark post exposure. All came negative. 

1. Is this conclusive? Should i test more?
2. I had taken rantac last night, can that give a false result?
3. Is 3 months mark considered at 84 days or 90 days? Will this result change at 90 days?
4. Is HIV COMBO CMIA test effective at 85 days?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Monika Dede (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
You are free of HIV.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you writing in healthcare magic.

Based on your negative results I think you shouldn't worry because you are definitly free of HIV.
Even after 85 days after exposure a HIV combo test is conclusive and this result will not change after 90 days.HIV combo test is very effective even after 85 days of exposure.
It is not necessary to do other HIV test.
No, taking rantac cannot give a false result of HIV test.

I hope my answer helps you.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Monika Dede (28 minutes later)
Thanks doctor. That's a big relief. However :

1. Will an ELISA test be more effective than a combo test at 85 days mark?
2. Also since after 85 days p24 antigens do not remain in the body, does combo test then see for antibodies, in the sense does this work as 3rd generation elisa test after 85 days?
3. On internet many websites consider 3 months as 84 days while sime consider it as 90 days.. I am confused.. Should I again test at 90 days.. What is 3 months mark officially ?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Monika Dede (22 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Please don't worry. You are free of HIV.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you writing back.

You should know that ELISA test looks for antibodies in your blood that your body develops in response to an HIV infection and the window period to detect antibodies is 4 weeks to 3 months.
A 4th generation test like you have done, also known as a DUO or Combo test, looks for both antibodies and P24 protein antigens. The P24 antigens can be detected within the first few weeks post-exposure, so this therefore shortens the window period for the test.This test is not necessarily "better" than the ELISA test, it can simply produce more accurate results earlier(from 6 weeks) than the ELISA test.
So, a 4th generation HIV test is very conclusive after 84 days from exposure and I think it is not necessary to do other HIV test at 90 days.

I hope my answer helps you.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Monika Dede (25 minutes later)
Thanks. So does that mean that if p24 antigens have gone down.. The combo test will act exactly like elisa test.. i.e search for antibodies only?
I hope due to a combo test i am not missing testing something important?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Monika Dede (25 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Yes. Combo test will detect antibodies like an Elisa test.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I am sorry for my late response.

Yes, this means that combo test will detect antibodies like an Elisa test.
Please don't worry a Combo test is very accurate and you are not missing someting important.

I hope my answer helps you.
Regards.
Note: Get personalized answers to your HIV related queries You can choose to talk face to face with your doctor. Book a Video Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Monika Dede

Infectious Diseases Specialist

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 1005 Questions

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Is Another HIV Test Required If The HIV CMIA Test Results Are Negative?

Brief Answer: You are free of HIV. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thank you writing in healthcare magic. Based on your negative results I think you shouldn't worry because you are definitly free of HIV. Even after 85 days after exposure a HIV combo test is conclusive and this result will not change after 90 days.HIV combo test is very effective even after 85 days of exposure. It is not necessary to do other HIV test. No, taking rantac cannot give a false result of HIV test. I hope my answer helps you. Regards.