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When Is An HIV Rapid Test Conclusive?

Posted on Mon, 3 Nov 2014

Question: Is a 6 week hiv rapid test conclusive or can it change at 12 weeks

Answered by Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No are not conclusive by 6 weeks

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thank you for query. I am Dr Bharatesh D Basti answering.

Rapid test are not conclusive by 6 weeks; after 3 months it may be conclusive. You can get back for any clarification else.

Thank you
Dr Bharatesh Basti
Dermatologist and venereologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (2 hours later)

So is negative at 6 weeks can become positive at 12 weeks or 6 weeks it doesn't matter also which is the best blood test for early detection

Answered by Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
HIV RNA PCR test

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for follow up query.
It is not that it will become positive later. It is that antibodies if infected might not have been formed. It may take up to 3 months in few to be formed if infected.
At this stage you can go for HIV RNA PCR at this stage. it can detect as early as 10- 14 days post exposure.
You can get back for any clarification else close the discussion and rate.
Thank you
Dr Bharatesh

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju

Follow up: Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (6 hours later)

I had a urethral dilation my concern is what are the chances of getting hiv if instruments were not properly sterilized

Answered by Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
no chance

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for follow up query.
There is no possibility of transmission of HIV by instruments used for urethral dilatation. Sterile instruments only will be used.
You can allay fears of HIV transmission by this mode.
You can get back for any clarification else close the discussion and rate
Thank you
Dr Bharatesh

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (5 hours later)

Let's just say instruments weren't sterilized correctly what are chances of getting hiv also how long does hiv survive on instruments

Answered by Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
few minutes.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for follow up query.
HIV virus do not survive outside for long may be for few minutes.so you can Totally allay fears.
Thus mode through fomites is not a method of transmission. You are becoming too anxious.all definitely use sterilised instruments.
You can get back for any clarification else close the discussion and rate.
Thank you
Dr Bharatesh

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (53 minutes later)

So hiv wouldn't live on instruments too long

Answered by Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (53 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
rarely for 6-7 days.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for follow up query.
Usage of infected instruments is out of question.
Hiv can survive for maximum 6 - 7 days outside in rarest of situations.
Such mode of transmission is not reported .you can forget about such situations. And allay fears.
You can get back for any clarification else close the discussion
Thank you
Dr Bharatesh

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (2 hours later)

I have read the from the cdc that hiv can be transmitted from surgical instruments not sterilized properly

Answered by Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
yes if unsterile instruments used.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for follow up query.
Yes instruments unsterilised can transmit HIV.but now there is so much awareness among doctors they do not do any unsterile procedures to cause such transmission. So there is no possibility of transmission of hiv .also what is the clarity that it was previously used on Hiv positive patient only.any reports that it was used on positive patient.it may be negative also.
So do not get anxious .forget about the incident.
You can get back for any clarification .
Thank you
Dr Bharatesh

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (5 minutes later)

Thank you how long does hiv have to be on instrument to infect a person

Answered by Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
hours to 7 days.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for follow up query.
It may survive for hours to 7 days outside in environment so similarly on instruments if not cleaned or washed or sterilised.
You can get back for any clarification
Thank you
Dr Bharatesh

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D