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Reliable HIV Testing In London By: Elena Killer
How reliable are HIV tests?
The short answer is that today's tests are very reliable. (Up to 99.999999% accurate for straightforward 3rd generation HIV 1 and 2 antibody tests at 3 months). The 4th generation HIV 1 and 2 combined with P24 antigen tests (referred to as HIV DUO tests) are 99.89% reliable at 4 weeks or more beyond exposure time.
However, there are still some persistent rumours that it's impossible to test for HIV until it has been in the body for at least three months. While it's true that some standard tests are only reliable after 90 days, it is now possible to receive accurate testing if you were exposed to the infection more recently. You can find these new types of test at leading London clinics.
What about the 'window period'?
You may have heard that HIV has a “window period” before it is detectable in the body. This is because it can take up to three months for significant amounts of antibodies to appear in the blood. These antibodies are created by the body to try and combat the infection.
Standard antibody tests will only be effective after 90 days. However, there are other options available, such as the 4th generation HIV DUO test described above.
What is an 'antibody test'?
The antibody test is generally the most common form of HIV test. It detects the antibodies created by your system in response to HIV. This is the type usually offered by NHS GUM and sexual health clinics. The test is only reliable if infection occurred 90 days or more before testing (i.e. the window period).
(If you choose to have this type of test, some private HIV testing London clinics will offer results in as little as 2 minutes.)
What if I think I may have been infected less than 90 days ago?
For many people, waiting 3 months to get tested is extremely distressing.
But, there are tests available that offer incredibly high reliability for detecting infection that has occurred 28+ days ago. The HIV Duo Test checks for both the presence of antibodies and the p24 antigen. P24 is a core viral protein formed by the HIV virus. It's detectable from around ten days after exposure, with high levels present in infected bodies for the next 2-3 months.
In fact, this approach is deemed so accurate (99.8% reliable) that it's now recommended by the 2008 official UK Guidelines on HIV Testing.
Is there a reliable test for infection that occurred 10 days ago?
HIV PCR tests are available from a select few clinics. They're really for anyone that believes they may have been infected 10 or more days ago and is looking to put their mind at rest, urgently.
The key thing to remember is that the PCR is not as reliable as the Duo or Antibody test. Also, the test itself takes up to 5 working days to process because it is complicated and it costs more. In addition, you need a further test at 28 days post event.
Which clinic is right for me?
If you're looking for an HIV test, London is a very good place to be located. Many GUM clinics will offer standard antibody tests, but will not usually test for infection less than 90 days prior.
However, some reputable private clinics will offer a swift, confidential service as well as a range of testing options. Crucially, they may offer the very reliable HIV Duo Test and the emergency PCR test.
Make sure that your clinic offers all of these options, as well as a friendly, discrete approach to sexual health testing. The best will discuss your situation before helping you choose the right test for your circumstances. And you can be safe in the knowledge that today's testing methods are extremely reliable.
Elena Killer a health and life style consultant and freelance writer. He writes many articles on HIV test and other HIV related topic. For more information on HIV testing London and HIV test, London, he recommends you to visit http://www.freedomhealth.co.uk/
The short answer is that today's tests are very reliable. (Up to 99.999999% accurate for straightforward 3rd generation HIV 1 and 2 antibody tests at 3 months). The 4th generation HIV 1 and 2 combined with P24 antigen tests (referred to as HIV DUO tests) are 99.89% reliable at 4 weeks or more beyond exposure time.
However, there are still some persistent rumours that it's impossible to test for HIV until it has been in the body for at least three months. While it's true that some standard tests are only reliable after 90 days, it is now possible to receive accurate testing if you were exposed to the infection more recently. You can find these new types of test at leading London clinics.
What about the 'window period'?
You may have heard that HIV has a “window period” before it is detectable in the body. This is because it can take up to three months for significant amounts of antibodies to appear in the blood. These antibodies are created by the body to try and combat the infection.
Standard antibody tests will only be effective after 90 days. However, there are other options available, such as the 4th generation HIV DUO test described above.
What is an 'antibody test'?
The antibody test is generally the most common form of HIV test. It detects the antibodies created by your system in response to HIV. This is the type usually offered by NHS GUM and sexual health clinics. The test is only reliable if infection occurred 90 days or more before testing (i.e. the window period).
(If you choose to have this type of test, some private HIV testing London clinics will offer results in as little as 2 minutes.)
What if I think I may have been infected less than 90 days ago?
For many people, waiting 3 months to get tested is extremely distressing.
But, there are tests available that offer incredibly high reliability for detecting infection that has occurred 28+ days ago. The HIV Duo Test checks for both the presence of antibodies and the p24 antigen. P24 is a core viral protein formed by the HIV virus. It's detectable from around ten days after exposure, with high levels present in infected bodies for the next 2-3 months.
In fact, this approach is deemed so accurate (99.8% reliable) that it's now recommended by the 2008 official UK Guidelines on HIV Testing.
Is there a reliable test for infection that occurred 10 days ago?
HIV PCR tests are available from a select few clinics. They're really for anyone that believes they may have been infected 10 or more days ago and is looking to put their mind at rest, urgently.
The key thing to remember is that the PCR is not as reliable as the Duo or Antibody test. Also, the test itself takes up to 5 working days to process because it is complicated and it costs more. In addition, you need a further test at 28 days post event.
Which clinic is right for me?
If you're looking for an HIV test, London is a very good place to be located. Many GUM clinics will offer standard antibody tests, but will not usually test for infection less than 90 days prior.
However, some reputable private clinics will offer a swift, confidential service as well as a range of testing options. Crucially, they may offer the very reliable HIV Duo Test and the emergency PCR test.
Make sure that your clinic offers all of these options, as well as a friendly, discrete approach to sexual health testing. The best will discuss your situation before helping you choose the right test for your circumstances. And you can be safe in the knowledge that today's testing methods are extremely reliable.
Elena Killer a health and life style consultant and freelance writer. He writes many articles on HIV test and other HIV related topic. For more information on HIV testing London and HIV test, London, he recommends you to visit http://www.freedomhealth.co.uk/
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