Dr. Ravinder K. Sachdeva
HIV/AIDS specialist
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
Answered by
Medically reviewed by
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Please see attached the reports for the viral markers (3H) and VDRL (Venereal Disease Research Laboratory) and RPR (rapid plasma reagin) screening along with this query. These tests were undertaken after eight months and 19 days of exposure or 263 days post-exposure. I wanted to confirm if the test used in the attached report for HIV screening is a fourth generation test or not. I have this doubt because the report has not mentioned "fourth generation assay". The heading of the test mentions "HIV 1 and 2 antibodies screening test serum," but if we go a notch below the report, it mentions "HIV 1 and 2 and P24 combo test (CMIA)". Please clear up my confusion concerning this.
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
The HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) test, which is performed, is a fourth-generation test. The fourth-generation test is a combo or a duo test. It looks for both antigens and antibodies of HIV. It is great that your test for HIV, HBV (hepatitis B virus), HCV (hepatitis C virus), and syphilis infection is negative. These would be considered conclusive if there had been no other exposure in the last three months.
Hope this helps. Kindly revert for further queries.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for the reply.
For your reference, I have attached one more report here. It comprises a 3H-viral markers panel. This panel was undertaken after the completion of eight months and 12 days of exposure, or 256 days post-exposure. Will this result also be considered conclusive?
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Yes, if there is no further exposure.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you again for your time; I greatly appreciate it.
I have a concern. What do you think is the most accurate measure of any window period? So, for instance, the window period for HIV 1 and 2 antibodies tests is 90 days. Now some experts quote it as 90 days, others as 12 weeks, and some as three months. So all of these, though similar, are different. For example, 12 weeks equates to 84 days, and when taking three calendar months, we may exceed 90 days and fall around 91 or 92 days (depending on the month). So which one should a person follow? Can one get tested on the 91st day of exposure, or should one wait three calendar months to expire, or is 12 weeks also fine?
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
The window period is the time taken for antibodies to develop in the body and then to be detected by a particular test. The revised fourth-generation or advanced testing kits have reduced the window period. In addition, these test kits are highly sensitive and specific to diagnose the infection (if present) and exclude the infection if not there. A person, if exposed to HIV infection, is asked to get the first test at three to four weeks of the exposure. Most people (greater than 95 percent) who get an infection are likely to show positive test results with the recent kits used to screen for the infection. A small group of people (less than five percent) takes longer to develop an adequate antibody response if infected. And almost all persons who are infected (or have the disease) will show a positive test result by the third month. So, a test performed after 90 days is therefore considered conclusive.
Hope this helps. Revert for further queries.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for the detailed explanation.
I just have one follow up question. Can we consider 90 days or three months as the same thing? Or should we also include those?
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Yes, that holds true.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for your prompt reply.
Sorry I keep bothering you with a lot of unnecessary questions every now and then. Please find attached my latest report for viral markers & VDRL, that I undertook after the completion of 9 months and 19 days post-exposure as the final test to put my mind at ease. Just wanted to know if the attached report looks fine to you? Would these test results be conclusive enough?
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Your reports are negative for these infections. If there is no other exposure, these will be considered conclusive.
Hope your query is answered. Please feel free to call or text for any further information.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you again for your time; I greatly appreciate it.
So, can I avoid further testing if there is no further or new exposure?
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Yes, surely.
Was this conversation helpful?
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
HIV/AIDS specialist
Related Questions
Are HIV 1 RNA PCR test and duo combo test post-exposure for HIV conclusive?
I took CMIA test 100 days after unprotected sex. Is it conclusive for HIV?
Can autoimmune disease interfere with the results of fourth-generation HIV test?
Are HIV CMIA and TRI-DOT test results from diagnostic centers reliable?
What are the chances of variation in the fourth-generation HIV test results between the 32nd and 45th day of exposure?
My HIV 1 and 2 rapid tests are non-reactive on 97th day. Do I need further tests?
Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy
