Q and A

Question

Is a HIV DUO test at 3 weeks a good indicator for a 100% result test?

20 October 2010. Related: All topics, HIV testing.

Answer

Answer: Charlotte Walker

Thank you for your question.

No. The earlier test may be a good indicator, but UK guidelines say this shoud be at 28 days.

The same UK guidelines (BASHH) state that the second test at 12 weeks would give you a conclusive result.

For more information about testing please follow this link

7 comments

  1. Charlotte Walker •

    If you read the link I sent you previously you will see it says the test is accurate 6-12 weeks after exposure (see section about antibody-only test).

  2. rahool 1 •

    i have read this thread but my questio is different. do you say that i shoould go for another antibody testa t 3 months , can i not take this at combo tets at 36 days as conclusive. can you tell me how reliable isChemiluminescent Microparticle Immunity assay. because in india they use only this . please help me….

  3. Charlotte Walker •

    This question is answered at the following page under the section called ‘antibody only tests‘

  4. rahool 1 •

    i did this test in india using (Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immunoassay) done on 36 day and result was .17 and cut off was .89 . can you tell me do I need further testing at 3 months. Is it reliable as it was taken after 28 days. My exposure was protected intercourse but not sure whether rubber broke or not. It was with CSW

  5. Charlotte Walker •

    It is will pick up 95% of infections at 28 days and it conclusive at 90 days.

  6. rahool •

    Please tell me whether a HIV combo test at 36 days is conclusive?

  7. samantha •

    Thanks for the answer – I read the testing guide and my doctor said that a test at 3 weeks is reliable as well, what I want to do is have a test at 3 weeks or just after at the local GUM and then after get one done at my GP can I request a DUO test if the blood is going to go to the same hospital – or can I pay at my GUM for the 2nd test?