Question
Why do NHS and private clinics have different recommendations?
13 August 2010. Related: All topics, HIV testing, HIV transmission.
My local NHS use the 4th generation DUO test. Why do they recommend a test at 12 weeks yet private clinics using the same test say its accurate at 4 weeks?
Answer
Thank you for your question.
The DUO test is accurate at 4 weeks and NHS centers should be offering it at 4 weeks also. As a precaution the NHS also offer it at 3 months. This is because the older 3rd generation tests were not accurate until 3 months and this protocol appears to have continued even with 4th generation testing now available.