Question
Do HIV tests pick up all strains of HIV?
30 July 2010. Related: All topics, HIV testing.
Hello,
I recently had sex with someone while I was away in Africa, I am ashamed of what I have done while I was influenced by a lot of alcohol. Now I wanted to have a PCR test done but I am a little bit concerned that the test might not pick up that particular strain of HIV what should I do. Do all HIV tests pick up the virus?
Answer
Thank you for your question.
The HIV tests available in the UK and worldwide are able to pick up all strains of HIV-1 and HIV-2.
Not many clinics offer the PCR test. You would be better off having a fourth generation HIV test like the DUO or p24 antigen-antibody tests 3-4 weeks after your possible exposure. These tests are more accurate and free at all GUM clinics and GPs in the UK.
For more information please follow this link
A p24 test at 17 days is a good indicator but you should also confirm closer to 3 weeks after a possible exposure.
Hello, thanks for the reply. I managed to get my doctor to refer me to a lab that would do the PCR test for me at a much cheaper price – if I did a p24 test at 17 days is this a good indicator or am i just wasting my time with it?