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Is Hiv 4th Generation Test Result At 6 Weeks After Exposure,conclusive?

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Posted on Mon, 7 Jul 2014
Question: Hello i had 2 hiv rna test done at 3,4 weeks after exposure.
ThEN had a hiv 4th generation test at 6 weeks after exposure. All negative. Are this conclusive or should i retest at 3 months
What is the accuracy of the test
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (56 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
HIV negative

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

The window period of a test is the time between infection with the particular virus/bacteria/fungi and the time it takes for the test to accurately determine whether the infection is present.

HIV tests either detect: (1) the antibody- these are formed when the body reacts to the presence of the HIV virus- this test has a window period of up to 3 months because sometimes it can take up to this long to form antibodies

(2)HIV dna , HIV rna tests tests look for the HIV virus itself and therefore have a shorter window period of 2 to 3 weeks.

(3) the HIV 4th generation tests look for a particular protein associated with HIV. They can detect it up to 5 days .

Your repeated negative HIV rna tests are conclusive. You are negative for HIV, there is no need for further testing.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (1 hour later)
The reason i do not feel confident is because i had some small rashes around my body and night sweats 2 weeks after exposure.

Many say that tests are 95% accurate at the point I was tested .
What might be the cause of such symptoms ?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
tests conclusive

Detailed Answer:
HI

Sorry about the late reply

In despite of your symptoms, your tests are conclusive, you are NOT hiv positive.

After 2 to 3 weeks the HIV rna is conclusive and after less than a week the 4th generation test. 3 negative results done at appropriate times are conclusive.

The test that is done at 3 months is the antibody test because this checks on the potential reaction to the virus but the tests that you did look for the virus itself-- therefore shorter window period.

Night sweats can occur due to any infection or inflammatory response by the body. A common viral infection like the flu, common cold can cause sweats. Skin infections , any infection can result in night sweats.
Skin rash can be related to allergies, viral exanthem (rash that occurs with viral infections including flu), infections, autoimmune conditions

If the skin rash is still present you may want to see your GP or a dermatologist for assessment.

Please feel free to ask any other questions
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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Is Hiv 4th Generation Test Result At 6 Weeks After Exposure,conclusive?

Brief Answer: HIV negative Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic The window period of a test is the time between infection with the particular virus/bacteria/fungi and the time it takes for the test to accurately determine whether the infection is present. HIV tests either detect: (1) the antibody- these are formed when the body reacts to the presence of the HIV virus- this test has a window period of up to 3 months because sometimes it can take up to this long to form antibodies (2)HIV dna , HIV rna tests tests look for the HIV virus itself and therefore have a shorter window period of 2 to 3 weeks. (3) the HIV 4th generation tests look for a particular protein associated with HIV. They can detect it up to 5 days . Your repeated negative HIV rna tests are conclusive. You are negative for HIV, there is no need for further testing. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions