Does oral rapid hiv test work ? What's the window period for Posted: 07-02-07 04:45am
i got an oral rapid hiv test, but im
afraid i didnt do it properly, can excess
saliva (read this somewhere) or anything
else that could interfere (smoking) create
a false negative? what about certain types
of medication? One last thing, can it take
longer than 6 months for hiv to be
detected with a weaker immune system? is
that why a nurse who has been stuck with
an infected needle has to be tested every
6 months for 2 years?
thank you your time is greatly
appreciated
|
DoctorAnswer
Doctor Answer
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HIV and AIDS Answer A3099 Posted: 08-08-07 07:48am
If you suspect having an HIV-infection you
can request a BLOOD test rather than a
“saliva”-test. If you took part in
risky sexual behavior and a blood test for
HIV/AIDS was negative you should take
another test after 3 months. That is
because of the “window” period
required during which the body can create
antibodies against the virus.
HIV/AIDS-tests detect these antibodies.
Soon after the infection, tests can be
negative even if there is a HIV-infection
because the antibodies are not created
yet.
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