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Expert: Terry B - 8/24/2009


Question
Dear my adviser,
I want to ask you something.
When should I do a test after my exposure?
Can an antibody test at 3 months later be accurate?
Do I need  a 6 month test?
I ask you because I don't clearly know the window period.  

Answer
Dear Thit:

Peace.  It seems difficult for us to recommend something other than what the manufacturer and credibility agencies agree upon.  6 months is the most reliable format for antibody testing, but six weeks can provide pretty good results as well.  Anything earlier for antibody testing is a bit risky, though there are other (p24, pcr) tests with more rapid results.  The greatest problem with some of the rapid tests is 'false-positive' meaning that another infection may produce 'positive for HIV' results in about 10% of people who take these early tests.  Confirmation testing is important, as is counseling about what the test means and what it does not.  More information at www.thebody.com www.avert.org or at www.unaids.org

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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