Anti Hiv Testing

[kerryk]

Had GF tested Anti Hiv test and the other STD tests all negative. I have been with her 24/7 for two months. Always safe sex. When I read about testing I discover the early tests detected anti hiv in 6 to 12 weeks now tests detect in 2 to 3 weeks. Is that accurate? 2 to 3 weeks for the vast majority of people?

[bakachan]

Had GF tested Anti Hiv test and the other STD tests all negative.  I have been with her 24/7 for two months.  Always safe sex.  When I read about testing I discover the early tests detected anti hiv in 6 to 12 weeks now tests detect in 2 to 3 weeks.  Is that accurate?  2 to 3 weeks for the vast majority of people?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

i always thought it was 6 months minimum before antibodies were detectable

you had the herpes 1 and 2 tests too?

[Digger]

Had GF tested Anti Hiv test and the other STD tests all negative.  I have been with her 24/7 for two months.  Always safe sex.  When I read about testing I discover the early tests detected anti hiv in 6 to 12 weeks now tests detect in 2 to 3 weeks.  Is that accurate?  2 to 3 weeks for the vast majority of people?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Depends what type of test it is - some test for the bodies anti virus working - hence the term Anti HIV test and some test for the HIV virus itself. The first one can take 3 months or more to start moving aorund the body after an infection. Not so sure about the latter.

Be sure to get the tests done at a proper hospital - I am no way convinced that many clinics (particularly those that promise 1 hr or less testing) actually do any testing. Quick testing kits cost around 15US$ a time, yet somehow some clinics in BKK and Pattaya offer quick testing for 300 baht. Go figure how they can do that as the technology that tests it so quick I believe is patented so there is no way around it.

Also did you check for HEP A/B/C - very important and often overlooked.

[Fast Eddie]

At a hospital in the u.k i was told that although in a lot of cases the antibodies are detectable after 5 or 6 weeks, you need to be tested after 12 for a conclusive result.

[slimdog]

Would agree with Digger and Fast Eddie. Whilst newer kits maybe be able to detect the virus earlier, in order to get the all clear (Which is what you are after),a period of 12 weeks is the recommended period.