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SoStupid
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Reged: 10/07/00
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How accurate are PCR tests?
#10789 - 10/15/00 12:07 AM
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Hi everyone...
Well, I'm starting to realize that I'm going to be nuts by 3 months of waiting. My question is simple and to the point: How accurate are PCR tests? I've heard a lot of conflicting statements, but it seems that if you get a good clinic (am thinking of Loyola Univ. Med. Ctr., pretty reputable here in Chicago) 2 tests should be accurate.
I know this would cost a lot of $$$, but I would feel sooo much better about everything to know for sure I'm neg (or poz, god forbid). How accurate are the PCR tests? How often do they report false results?
Thanks in advance all, am trying to hang in there, but keeping freaking out about syptoms. Even bought a new thermometer (I'm SoStupid ;p -- that just for you CRneg)
-BN
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hey you in the trench coat drop the thermometer and step away from the car!!!
what r u doing ????
a pcr test from what i have read is accurate at 8 weeks.
you may want to look it up under the testing section because i think there is a debate over this.
(what else is new...right).
i was taking my temp a hundred times a day, i would even wake up in the middle of the night to take it/that my friend is ocd not hiv.andadd a little abc 123 and a dash of tlc..it is hard but you really need to try to get your mind straight. are you religious ? go to church in the morning..
it helped me knowing we are forgiven.did you call the hotline? i hope so...please relax.
you will just make yourself get sick from worry.
......mc
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Yep, going to church 3-4 times a week now and taking RCAI classes (initiation - catholic church).
But seriously, I just keep freakin' out.
What's the number again for the GMHC hotline MC?
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We all know too well that the worried well spend so much unneccecary time out on this board asking when they can start living life again. If you REALLY are that worried..get a PCR test.
A DNA PCR test is accurate and you can put everything behind you at 28 days. This is the test porno actors/actresses use and the test they use for NEWBORNS born to HIV + mom's to test if they have the virus. It is not advertised b/c it takes A LOT of resources to do...they dont want a lot of unneeded tests done. They also have a small percentatge of false positives (but very few). So if you really cant take it, do this test if it is offerred.
It is a HIGHLY, HIGHLY accurate test, as accurate as any 3 or 6 month antibody test, b/c it looks for DNA replication of the HIV virus itself, down to a very very miniscule copy per mililiter of blood, of which, if you were infected, would show overwhelmingly at a couple of weeks.
It is very expensive ie >$300...so another reason the gov would not like to advertise it. But a neg on this test is just as accurate as a 6 month negative test.
If you REALLY cant' take the wait...get this test and put everyhing behind you...
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gmhc is 1800aidsnyc
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SoStupid
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Reged: 10/07/00
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Well, I guess my question is: how accurate is any test? I've read that the 3 month test is 98% accurate. Does that mean that every 2 out of 100 people get false results? (I'm not a very adept statistician)
I've also heard that the PCR tests are extremely accurate (As accurate as 6 month antibody ELISA test), but are very prone to human error. Does this mean they yield a lot of false results?
Help me! ;p
Am wondering if I'll ever be able to get rid of the anxiety...
-SS
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My freind, I don't see any reply will calm you down. It is my experience. Stop looking for any information about hiv and wait till 3 months for test then relax. If and only if you are still unsure, get another test at 6th month and close the file!!! It is not complicated but a waiting game. Go see a doctor to deal with your mental problem, it is more important at the moment if you think it is neccessary.
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