Dr. Meha Malhotra
Dermatology
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
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Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
What is the window period for HIV(Human Immunodeficiency Virus) western blot test from the date of a suspected exposure? And, what is the accuracy of the test?
Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com.
Western blot is a confirmatory test for HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), not a primary one. It is highly sensitive and specific. It comes positive in six to eight weeks of exposure.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
My last suspected exposure was 45 days back. Now, which test shall I go for to ensure that I am not infected?
Hello, Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Get a fourth generation ELISA (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay) test done for HIV 1 and 2 as it has been six weeks after the exposure. Repeat it after three months of exposure pertaining to the fact that you have no exposure in between. If both are negative, you need not worry. Do send us the reports for evaluation.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
Three months is a long time to wait. Are there any other tests for an early confirmation? I have done a blood test 45 days back which was a home sample collection. I have some fear and anxiety whether they used a new syringe needle or an old one. That is the reason I am planning to get this test done.
Hello, Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Even small laboratories maintain basic standards these days. So, do not worry too much. ELISA is done at six weeks and three months after exposure because a very small number of patients do not develop antibodies by six weeks. The fourth generation tests detect both antigen and antibodies. The repeat test at third month is just to be sure. RNA PCR (polymerase chain reaction) is a test which is the first to be positive within days of the exposure.
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Dermatology
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