2 tests enough?
I have taken 2 biosure tests well outside window (years) for exposure. Although both negative, been feeling unwell lately(for months) with many similar hiv symptoms. Not sleeping and stressed. Do I need another test? Friend says I need bloodtest at NHS clinic to be sure and lots of people on here suggest more testing. What will the clinic test pickup that biosure hasn’t? What is likelihood of 2 false negatives? Please advise. Really scared now.
Becky, BioSure UK Ltd
Work on 17th July 2020
Hi Heavd,
That's good to hear. I think it's best to try and put this behind you, thank you for your feedback. All the best, Becky
HEAVD
Used on 16th July 2020
Thanks Becky. The lab results came back negative. I will speak to GP about other symptoms. Along with biosure tests, I am going to try and move on and put this behind me. Trust in biosure!
Becky, BioSure UK Ltd
Work on 15th July 2020
Hi Heavd,
Yes I can imagine that the test is fourth generation so they will look for the p24 antigen. Regardless of your result with this test, both of your negative results using the BioSure tests are wholly conclusive and you do not need to retest.
Kindest regards,
Becky
HEAVD
Used on 14th July 2020
Hi Becky, thanks once again for your response, I really appreciate it. I called the clinic, but the nurse wasn't 100% clear in her answers. I asked about generation of test, they didn't really get what I meant, but they just said they look for the virus in test and mentioned antigens, so I presume 4th gen? I doubt it would be just antibody? Thanks.
Becky, BioSure UK Ltd
Work on 13th July 2020
Hi Heavd,
Usually the tests performed at the clinics/hospitals are fourth generation and look for the p24 antigen in addition to the antibodies to HIV-1 and HIV-2. The p24 antigen is a viral protein that is found in high levels in the blood of newly infected individuals. p24 usually appear around 2 weeks after infection, which explains why the window period is so much shorter for a fourth generation test.
If you have not yet received your result back, you can always ask about the test then and what your result means.
This may help to get an expert opinion of these types of tests.
Becky
Heavd
Used on 13th July 2020
Thank you for your response. I feel much more confident in results, but went to NHS clinic just to be sure. They took blood from my arm, but didn't tell me what type of test? Do they just do antibody test like biosure or do they look for something else? Sorry, I know not biosure question, but ithey didn't explain about test. Thanks
Becky, BioSure UK Ltd
Work on 09th July 2020
Hi Heavd,
Tests performed in clinics aren't necessarily more accurate but the window period is often shorter and therefore infections can be detected much earlier than our self test. However, in your case, since your possible exposure was years ago, both negative results can be extremely relied upon and you would not need to retest. False negative results occur more frequently when users test inside of the window period. If you had been exposed to HIV years ago, it is very likely that the test line would be visible on both of your tests. Two tests both giving false negative results is very very unlikely.
Seroconversion usually occurs in the initial weeks after infection and is the period within where most people experience symptoms of HIV. I would recommend that if your symptoms persist, to talk to your GP about these but as unrelated to HIV.
Kindest regards,
Becky