Where to make inexpensive PCR HIV test ?

[Danielsiam]

Hello. I have a new girlfriend from 2 weeks ago. The regular test with Antibody will not be sure.. I would like to provide a PCR test.. As more sure. Where I can bring her but without be much costful for this test.. did have someone know that address ?

[alyx]

Hey, not sure about the exact test you want to run but I guess that, if you don't mind the waiting and the crowd, the best way to go about it is to get to the Red Cross anonymous clinic near Lumpini. Again, your girlfriend might not like the place as it is dedicated to those already in trouble. But, as the name says "anonymous"

If you google that, you will have the list of the tests conducted, along with the prices.

That being said, I am a doubtful regarding your motive:

You understand that three months are needed (since the last sexual act) to make sure that the person is HIV -

unless this has evolved ( am I correct me ? )

Meaning that anyone can come "clean" and might still be "infected" if any sex has taken place within this timeframe

In a nutshell, today might be fine but tomorrow is another day

It all depends on the partner's faithfulness ( or carefulness ?)

Edited November 27, 2014 by alyx

[Sheryl]

At the Red Cross, they di something called a NAT test (similiar to PCR) routinely on all the blood samples collected from routine antibody test. So just get the standard antibody test at the Red Cross Anonymous Clinic and you're covered.

[h90]

Hey, not sure about the exact test you want to run but I guess that, if you don't mind the waiting and the crowd, the best way to go about it is to get to the Red Cross anonymous clinic near Lumpini. Again, your girlfriend might not like the place as it is dedicated to those already in trouble. But, as the name says "anonymous"

If you google that, you will have the list of the tests conducted, along with the prices.

That being said, I am a doubtful regarding your motive:

You understand that three months are needed (since the last sexual act) to make sure that the person is HIV -

unless this has evolved ( am I correct me ? )

Meaning that anyone can come "clean" and might still be "infected" if any sex has taken place within this timeframe

In a nutshell, today might be fine but tomorrow is another day

It all depends on the partner's faithfulness ( or carefulness ?)

You are wrong: The PCR test can detect HIV much faster. Not three month.

Generally: The "Normal" HIV test tries to find antibody against HIV in your blood.

The PCR test multiplies the HIV DNA in your blood and detect it direct. In theory it can find 1 single virus in the blood sample.

At this test the 2 strings of DNA will be separate and with a primer the second string will be rebuilt. Than it will be separate again-->rebuilt-->separate.......till there is enough DNA to detect it.

That is more complicate, need longer than the normal test therefor it isn't done as often.

[alyx]

Hey, as I have stated I didn't know what these letters were standing for. I stand corrected, thanks for the explanation.

Nevertheless, this doesn't afeect what I tried to say in my latter post: I am wary about the motive behind the demand.

No test, however precise, should be, nor is to be, considered as a visa for unprotected sex especially in a two week relationship. Well thought behaviour is more important that a so-called disease free state.

Sorry if I sound old fashioned but it is better to worry about the possible issues than to be sorry, isn't it?

I understand that this is not what the OP has implied but that is what popped up to my mind when I read it.

[EmptyHead]

Like Sheryl said, except they swapped the 3rd generation antibody test for a 4th generation Duo/Combination test a while ago (that's antibody plus antigen).

They offer a standard package (HIV Duo test, Syphilis test, and HIV-NAAT test) all for about 500 baht. (1 hour results for the first two and 3 days for NAAT)

The Silom Community Clinic offers a similar package for free. (The only difference is they still use the 3rd generation antibody test, whereas the Red Cross upgraded to Duo as their initial test). Similarly at this place, you get the first two results in an hour, but the NAAT now takes them 10 days for results. Previously it was less, something must have changed)

Duo test is conclusive after 28 days from expsoure.

NAAT test is conclusive after 10 days from exposure.

Even the 3rd generation antibody test is above 99% conclusive after 6 weeks. (12 weeks for completely conclusive)

Edited November 28, 2014 by EmptyHead