Question
If my friend is sharing needles is the test accurate at 31 days?
12 August 2010. Related: All topics, HIV testing, HIV transmission.
I wanted to ask a question about my friend, he has in the past shared drug equipment – I know this is a high-risk situation and advised him to take a HIV test.
I wanted to know if he has a test on the 31st day from his last drug sharing episode, if this is negative does he need to re-test or can we be assured he is not infected?
I know you say here that a test taken 3-4 weeks after is a good indicator or conclusive. Its only another 2 weeks, but the NHS have advised him he needs to be tested 6 months plus even with them doing the HIV DUO. Please advise.
Thanks
Harry
Answer
Hi Harry,
Thank you for your question.
I think if your friend has had a high risk exposure then the clinic is just airing on the side of caution by saying he needs a 6 month test.
If the test he has had is a HIV DUO test then 31 days from his last drug-sharing incident is more than 95% accurate and a test at 90 days is considered conclusive. If he is negative then he does not need a re-test unless he has another possible exposure in the future.
Best wishes
Charlie