How far is CMIA test conclusive?

Question

Hi doctor,

Please suggest how far is CMIA test for HIV is conclusive at six months. Some say that three months are sufficient enough and a few say that six months is conclusive for 98 % cases. Which is the truth?

Which is the category who take more than three months for seroconversion?

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

CMIA (chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay), also known as the HIV-DUO test. It checks for two things: both antigens and antibodies. So, this test is highly conclusive after six weeks, and at six months, it is very conclusive. Seroconversion means developing antibodies against the virus. HIV-DUO detects antibodies, but it also recognizes an antigen, as I said. So, CMIA will be positive even if antibodies have not yet developed. Antibodies may take time to develop (meaning seroconversion) in those with weak health, having cancer, or taking chemotherapeutic drugs. These people are not able to produce antibodies early, so they are not detected. But they get antigens when they are infected, and HIV-DUO or CMIA tests can detect them. So, this test is highly conclusive.

Thank you.