Question
Are DUO tests accurate after 26 days?
14 July 2010. Related: All topics, HIV testing, HIV transmission.
After a risky episode I have booked my HIV DUO test on the 26th day after exposure. Looking through the site it says that the test is accurate 3-4 weeks later? Will this be ok or should I retest a week later?
Answer
Thank you for your question.
Duo tests are recommended to pick up 95% of infections by day 28, so earlier than this will be slightly less accurate. UK guidelines then recommend a test a 90 days to confirm a negative result.
Yes the tests look for all strains and subtypes of HIV-1 and HIV-2
Ohh sorry I forgot to mention the persons blood it was, he was not from the UK do these tests count for all kinds of HIV 1 and 2 all strains etc? Thanks
GUM clinics don’t have the right to refuse anyone a test and your girlfriend can always give another name. However, if she is having so many tests and getting paranoid then maybe she should see a counsellor about why she is experiencing such paranoia especially as it is almost impossible to get HIV this way. Maybe she has some underlying issues which need professional help?
The 27 days test is very close to 28 days for picking up 95% of infections.
I’m very worried about my girlfriend, she had an blood exposure in the eye and is now freaking out. We are going to get a PCR test done here in london next week, then she will get a DUO test done I think 2 weeks later, if she tests for the DUO at 27 days and her PCR is negative will she be negative, she is refusing to see me – let alone anything else and has even suggested she gets more tests done after the 27 day.
The other thing is we cannot even go to the local GUM clinic as she has been before and they checked her for months, if she called now and said I want another appt do they have any right to say no to her?
Some doctors are not HIV specialists. If you go to a sexual health centre or a GUM clinic and ask for a fourth generation test you will find that the healthcare staff understand more about the 28 day tests.
I wanted to add onto this question would 23 days be ok? or 25 days? Sorry as it might sound silly but this is where I’m getting confussed like the rest of the world the doctor just does not agree with 28 days let alone 3-4 weeks after exposure.