Is 2nd Gen HIV Test Done 91 Days After Exposure Conclusive?

Posted on Sun, 6 Sep 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 6 Sep 2015 Answered on

Mon, 28 Sep 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I had a 2nd gen HIV test at 91 days. it was negative. can I move on from this?

Answered by Dr. Sheetal Verma (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
4 th generation test suggested to be conclusive.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query at HCM.
I understand your concern and situation.

I would suggest you to take a 4 th generation ELISA test at 3 months as the reliability is more. The 2 nd generation ELISA test done in window period cannot be solely relied upon due to less sensitivity and specificity. After that one more test at 6 months which can be a 3 rd generation ELISA will be required. These tests are recommended as per international guidelines.

Hope I answered your query
You can take a follow up query
Rating and review will be appreciated
Dr Sheetal Verma

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sheetal Verma (18 minutes later)

This is incorrect. U.S CDC guidelines state that all antibody tests regardless of generation are conclusive at 84 or 90 days. I am in U.S. thank you for your time.

Answered by Dr. Sheetal Verma (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Go through the following CDC latest recommendations.

Detailed Answer:
I would like to tell you that the body immune response takes time. This is called window period when antibodies are not detected. So patients are suggested to take combo of antigen and antibodies based test. In some patients due to weak immune response the window period may extend up to 6 months. You can search the information further. My aim is to guide patients for their benefit.
Kindly go through latest CDC guidelines

http://www.YYYY.gov/hiv/testing/YYYY.html

http://www.YYYY.gov/hiv/basics/YYYY.html

Best of health

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar