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I have two qs about the window period for Stds. 1) I ...


Sent to Health Experts June 05, 2006 8:41 a.m.
I have two qs about the window period for Stds.

1) I have a neg hiv antibody test 175 days after exposure and a neg Pcr Dna 70 days after the same exposure.

2) I have a neg Hcv Pcr by Rna 125 days after exposure, a neg Hcv antibody test 195 days after exposure and a neg Riba 245 days after exposure. The Riba was used after a 'weak positive' antibody result, 1.0 cutoff ratio.

      Questions :
    1) Does a neg Riba mean a 'weak +' antibody test is a false +?
    2) Is this enough testing for Hiv and Hep c?
    3) Am I neg for Hiv and Hep C?

     Many thanks.

Optional Information:
Age: 52
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status: Closed   Value: $5   
Answer
June 05, 2006 9:42 a.m. (1 hour and 1 minute later) 		REPLIED Check Mark

The answers to your question are:

1. Yes,more often then not. Riba is the most accurate test.

2. Yes, but read below.

3. At the time of these test yes. HIV testing is close to time line of 6 months. And often follow ups of 6 months after your original neg. are recommended as well. It takes time for the Antibody to show up.

However, even though you have been very good on getting periodic blood work I would follow though with at least one more testing to calm your nerves. Especially if you have been exposed to either. (And it appears you may have) Go back in 90-120 days for a follow up screening. After that follow up with a final (if no further known exposure) year blood testing. I know you have had frequent work ups but it is better to be on the safe side for testing. But at this time you appear (from your reports) to be just fine. The additional follow ups are at your discretion but recommended as a precaution.

I hope this has better answered your question and provided some relief from distress and concern. If your pleased with the answer please accept and continue to leave feedback. If you require further assistance on this question please feel free to respond.

Regards.



Edited by 4ren6 on June 5 2006 at 9:58am
Picture4ren6  -- Medical Forensics -- 100% Positive Feedback on 757 Health Accepts
Forensics Medical Forensics
Reply to 4ren6
Sent June 05, 2006 10:08 a.m. (25 minutes and 59 seconds later)
Do the Pcr tests for Hiv and hep c gave me any assurance?
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
June 05, 2006 10:14 a.m. (5 minutes and 35 seconds later) 		REPLIED Check Mark

It does have a history of not being quite as accurate as other testing. Have you had the ELISA testing done as well.

For further info regarding PCR testing

Considerable controversy remains about the diagnostic accuracy of PCR. Some studies report that the test has perfect sensitivity and specificity, but others report high false-positive and false-negative rates.

The above is referenced to:

http://www.annals.org/cgi/content/full/124/9/803

This is also why I suggested that you continue with follow-up test. Not quite enough time has really elasped to warrant no further testing.

I also see that I assisted you a couple of months back.

Joe



Edited by 4ren6 on June 5 2006 at 10:17am
Picture4ren6  -- Medical Forensics -- 100% Positive Feedback on 757 Health Accepts
Forensics Medical Forensics
Reply to 4ren6
Sent June 05, 2006 10:20 a.m. (6 minutes and 8 seconds later)
Joe, My complete testing history is this :

Hiv : neg antibody at 15/22/25 weeks. Neg Pcr at 10 weeks.

Hep b : neg antibody at 15/18/28/35 weeks.

Hep c : neg antibody at 15/18/28 weeks. Neg Riba at 35 weeks. Neg Hvc Pcr by Rna at 18 weeks.

Does this help you with your answer? I want to move on.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
June 05, 2006 10:26 a.m. (6 minutes and 20 seconds later) 		ACCEPTED Check Mark

At the current time of these results you are showing no signs to positive antigens or antibody in your system for HIV or HCV. However, I would in 6 months time have the test repeated to be conclusive.

They do have a series of shots for Hep A and B. I would suggest taking these if possible to prevent future exposure. There is no vaccine for Hep C.

I hope this better helps you understand.
Picture4ren6  -- Medical Forensics -- 100% Positive Feedback on 757 Health Accepts
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Info Request
June 05, 2006 10:37 a.m. (10 minutes and 36 seconds later)

Take care of yourself. Get the Hep vacination and get rechecked as mentioned above. You are ok at this time.

Thanks for accepting and I would appreicate your taking time to leave feedback. If I may further assist you in the future feel free to ask for me.

regards
Picture4ren6  -- Medical Forensics -- 100% Positive Feedback on 757 Health Accepts
Forensics Medical Forensics

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