Expert: Terry B - 3/8/2008

Question
Dear Terry,
I was tested for HIV and it came negative. This test was done after 2 weeks I had unsafe sex. I have read on internet that antibody test may not be accurate until 6 weeks and 6 months in many cases. But is there only antibody test available? Is there no way possible to detect the virus? My report says that there were 2 test performed. one was EIA method and other one NAAT mnethod. Can you please help me to understand what it means? and what tests they are? Thanks a lot for ur help.

Answer
Dear Sper:

Peace.  Standard test for antibody at two weeks may not be reliable; six weeks should be, six months is about as conclusive as testing gets.  

EIA also known as ELISA is standard antibody test, NAAT refers to testing for nucleic acids.  Some of the literature on the combination of these tests suggests they are, in combination, quite reliable except in places where rates of HIV infection are high (high prevalence).  Without getting too technical, the latest versions of the EIA test look for both HIV antibodies and p24 antigens - meaning a great chance of finding both HIV and things that 'look like' HIV on testing.

There is more information available on www.avert.org or www.thebody.com on testing methods.

Best to you and yours,

Terry