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AIDS/HIV testingusing tridot

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Expert: Terry B - 10/29/2008


Question
what are HIV tridot tests? are these antibody tests? i have searched avert.org but cannot come to a definite window period. is it 3 months or 6 months? if i wanna be 100% sure about a negative result then should i get tested at 3 months or 6 months post exposure?

1 more thing: does an exposure to HIV always lead to HIV infection? or are exposure & infection 2 different things?

Answer
Dear Karan:

Peace.  An exposure means you have come in contact with fluids containing HIV.  An infection means that the HIV in the fluids has entered cells in your body and is replicating.  An exposure does NOT mean infection - the more exposures, however, the greater the risk.

If you want to be 100% sure, you could test at three months AND at six months.  Two negative results will bring you statistically closer to certainty.  Results at three months should be positive if a person is infected, six months almost certain.  

If you have an HIV test, it should be in the context of counseling; the test counselor should be able to tell you what type of test is being used and how it works.

Best to you and yours,

Terry

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Terry B

Expertise

Help in assessing personal and professional risk of HIV transmission; tips in teaching about HIV/AIDS; cultural competency for teaching about HIV/AIDS in Catholic settings; considerations in US and overseas HIV/AIDS programs and education for health and other professionals. Specific questions about treatment should be referred to your health provider; opinions and information offered are not meant to replace medical advice

Experience

Seven years with academic medical center and national AIDS education and training center, seven subsequent years with focus on international HIV/AIDS in East and South Africa. Former clinician, bioethics preceptor at an academic medical center and presenter in wide range of fora including international AIDS conference.

Organizations
Disabled American Veterans American Public Health Association MENSA AA

Publications
Human Variety, EC Sociological Society Proceedings of the International AIDS Conference, Durban, South Africa "HIV and Primary Care"

Education/Credentials
BS Psychology MPH Master of Public Health PhD studies underway

Awards and Honors
Naval School of Health Sciences, Hospital Corps with Highest Honors, Neuropsychiatry with Honors and High Distinction

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