HIV and AIDS Forum - 3 month test conclusive ?

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Q: 3 month test conclusive ?

asked by: DoctorQuestion on March 14th, 2009

Please can you tell me if there is any need to take a HIV test at 6 months after a very low risk if I have been given a negative at 3 months with a 4th generation p24 elisa HIV test. My Doctor said my negative, with this test is conclusive and its the best and most sensitive and modern test available in the world and theres no point in testing at 6 months.

He also said the only reason for people to maybe test at 6 months would be people who either have abnormally suppressed immune systems due to genetic defects or who have recently undergone intensive medical treatment that could comrpomise the immune system (cancer treatement, organ transplants, etc.). but 3 months is conclusive for anyone else with a modern HIV test such as a 4th generation.

Would you agree with what my Doctor said?

Replies(1)

Dr. Goce Aleksovski , MD

replied on March 15th, 2009

HIV and AIDS Answer A6051

Testing after six months is recommended only for people who have weakened immune system (caused by disease or medication) and for people who were undergone an antiviral therapy which might have decreased the number of viruses in the blood to undetectable level and would need additional three months to reach the detectable level.
According to the data you provided, the three month HIV test for you is conclusive and there is no need to test at six months.

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