Question
Is a Centaur test third or fourth generation?
14 September 2010. Related: All topics, HIV testing.
Hi
I have heard that a Centaur HIV test is an ELISA test but I was wondering what type of ELISA test it would be e.g 3rd or 4th generation and also is it performed using the machine?
Answer
Thank you for your question.
The Centaur test is a third generation ELISA test. It is done with a machine and samples are loaded by a laboratory technician. For more information on the test please follow this link and read the section headed ‘Antibody tests’.
Yes
Okay thank you. So I can say that my test is accurate then?
If you tested at 16 weeks then it would be extremely unlikely to get a false negative (less than 0.01%). For more information about false negatives please follow this link and scroll down the page.
So what are the chances of it being false negative using this machine?
Yes it is conclusive any time after 12 weeks so 16 weeks is fine. The results you were given would be correct.
So being a third generation test on the Centaur machine is accurate and conclusive after 12 weeks as I had my test 16 weeks after exposure?