Talking about home testing for HIV

Tell your story

Still Worried 01

Responses 

1

Are antibody tests reliable?

Hi, I had a high risk exposure 2 1/2 years ago and have since had 3 biosure tests and 2 4th gen tests; all done outside window period. I had put this all behind me, but due to ongoing illnesses I started researching antibody tests, and noted that there is a lot of research that indicates that HIV virus can remain undetected for many years despite testing; namely a report by a professor from Harvard University ‘Hastletine’ – albeit this research is now dated, but it did highlight that antibody tests can take years to give positive results in certain individuals. Can you advise please and is this possible with modern testing??

1 Responses

Becky Smith, BioSURE UK LTD
 Work on 09th March 2020

Hi StillWorried, Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. The BioSURE HIV self-test was launched in 2015 and has been through numerous clinical trials and tests to determine the accuracy of the window period. The vast majority of people produce antibodies, but a small percentage do not produce antibodies. Regardless, every person whether they produce antibodies or not, is detectable. It just depends on the method of testing and/or the length of the window period for testing. The tests that you have performed all outside of the window period are conclusive results and if you were positive, your result would have been detectable. I hope this helps to put your mind at rest, remember not everything you read online is correct. Kindest regards, Becky

Post Your Response

  • Tell us your story
    1
  • Label your post
    2

Step 1. Tell your story

Feel free to complete the form below in your own words - write as much or as little as you like! Your comments will be appear anonymously on PEBL.