Talking about home testing for HIV

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Anxiety 2323

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4th generation test at 4 weeks and biosure test at 5 weeks both negative

Hi how reassuring are both these test? at this time my anxiety is through the roof.

Why is there so many different dates for window periods?

3 Responses

Becky, BioSure UK Ltd
 Work on 09th September 2020

Hi Anxiety 2323, Usually 4th gen tests have a window period of 4 weeks, so I would say that your negative result is conclusive however I cannot say for certain as I am not as educated in these types of tests as ours is second generation. Kindest regards, Becky

Anxiety 2323
 None on 07th September 2020

Hi iv just done a 4th generation test at 49 days which is 7 weeks would you say this is conclusive?

Becky, BioSure UK Ltd
 Work on 27th August 2020

Hi Anxiety 2323, Fourth generation tests usually have a 4 week window period as the test detects both antibodies and the p24 antigen. Antigen tests have shorter window periods as the p24 antigen is present from around 2-3 weeks after initial infection whereas antibodies take longer to be produced. The BioSURE HIV self test is second generation, it detects antibodies to HIV1 and HIV2 and therefore has a window period of 12 weeks. Everybody produces antibodies at different rates, you can test at anytime during the window period but we always recommend to retest at 12 weeks for a conclusive result. 50% of people will have produced detectable levels of antibodies by 4 weeks however we say to test at 12 weeks to be inclusive of everyone. I cannot comment wholly on the conclusivity of your result from the fourth generation test that you had however given my knowledge of the general window periods of these types of tests I would say that your negative result is conclusive however if you want to be sure, maybe get in contact with the provider of the test to find out more information. Regardless, a negative result using our test at 5 weeks is a good indication but I would recommend to retest in another 7 weeks if you want to be sure of your status. I hope this information helps, if you have any questions please feel free to leave them below. Kindest regards, Becky

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