|
|
| |
|
Headlines:
|
 |
|
| |
Doctors Lounge - Infections Answers
"The information
provided on www.doctorslounge.com is designed to support, not
replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site
visitor and his/her physician."
Back to Infections Answers List
Forum Name:
AIDS
| inkaquest
- Mon Oct 22, 2007 6:09 pm |
|
hi doc,
is it posible to test for the virus itself? what's the name of this test?
Will this test eliminate the window period, letting you know if your infected or not?
|
| Dr. Chan Lowe
- Mon Oct 22, 2007 10:00 pm |
|
 Hi Inkaquest,
There is a direct test for HIV. It is called an HIV PCR test where the test looks directly for the virus DNA rather than the antibodies to the test.
Best wishes.
|
| inkaquest
- Tue Oct 23, 2007 8:25 am |
|
Will this test eliminate the need to wait for a window time? and the need to check twice? Or you still need to check twice even though you are testing with HIV PCR?
|
| Dr. Chan Lowe
- Thu Oct 25, 2007 7:48 pm |
|
Hi again,
The PCR test allows detection of the virus sooner but there is still a window period. I think it is about a month after exposure that the test becomes more reliable. I can't be sure on this as I tried to look it up but couldn't find the information.
If the test positive a second, different test is usually done to confirm. If it is negative it can be repeated in a month to see if it becomes positive making it much more sensitive.
Best wishes.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Are you a Doctor, Pharmacist, PA or a Nurse?
Join the Doctors Lounge online medical community
-
Editorial activities: Publish, peer review, edit
online articles.
-
Ask a Doctor Teams: Respond to patient questions and
discuss challenging presentations with other members.
Doctors Lounge Membership
Application |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
