Is HIV CMIA test accurate post 6 weeks of exposure?

Question

Hello doctor,

I had a possible exposure six weeks ago and today I took an HIV 1 and 2 antibody CMIA (chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay) test. How accurate would be this test result after six weeks of exposure? Kindly suggest.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to the icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Usually, if a person acquires HIV (human immunodeciency virus) infection, then antibodies start developing after around six weeks. But HIV antigen especially p24 can be detected early.

So better if you get investigated with a combo CMIA test rather than only an antibody test (detect antigen as well antibody). If in laboratory combo test is not available then investigate with fourth-generation ELISA. Usually, I will suggest testing again after three months with a combo CMIA test or fourth-generation ELISA test to conclusively exclude HIV. Second if you cannot wait up to three months and want to rule out HIV immediately then get tested with superior methods like RT PCR or western blot.

I hope I have solved your query.

Thank you.