How Long Do Antibody Tests Take

Here's a taste of what TheBody.com has to offer on this topic:

Get the Facts

HIV Testing

Why Should You Get Tested for HIV? What Are HIV Antibody Tests? ELISA Western Blot (WB) Assay Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) Window Period Interpretation of Test Results Accuracy of Antibody Tests Anonymous HIV Testing Confidential HIV Testing HIV Name-Based Reporting Partner Notification Orasure Test for HIV Rapid Tests for HIV Home...

Ask the Experts

PCR tests, antibody tests and

Hello Dr. Holodniy:This question will hopefully be a slightly differenttwist from the usual "window period" question :-)Sorry for the length.I wrote previously ( I am the one taking immuno-suppressivemedications who may or may not develop...

Response from Mark Holodniy, M.D., F.A.C.P., C.I.C.

Stanford University, School of Medicine

Good synopsis. I don't think you need more testing. the PCR based tests will detect the presence of the virus, so antibodies are not an issue. The issue with the subtypes and PCR is a quantitative one. Thus, it should be fine for qualititative... Read more »

Nucleic Acid Testing -vs- P 24 antigen -vs- Antibody test's

Dear Bob,Just read your answer from your status dealing with the HIV. I do not feel you are living on borrowed time. I believe there is a bigger purpose for everthing. Yours is obvious to me, helping others. This will always give you an internal...

Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.

The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation

Hi,Thank you for your kind words and thoughtful prayers.I don't have any information about your potential HIV exposure, but barring extenuating circumstances, I would consider a negative ELISA at three months to be definitive. The additional... Read more »

How long can antibodies be detected?

Dear Dr. McGowan,Would a person's HIV antibody level still be high enough to detect on a standard screening ELISA if the infection started 10-12 years ago? My exposures were high risk, unprotected, with someone who I just recently found out was...

Response from Joseph McGowan, M.D., F.A.C.P.

North Shore University Hospital

Dear wondering:Antibodies to HIV can and usually will persist for life after infection. The immune system maintains antibody levels to protect itself after exposure to an infection. Chronic infections such as HIV are most likely to maintain... Read more »

No antibodies and no symptoms: For how long?

Hi. Is it possible for a person to continually test negative for HIVantibodies and yet remain healthy for extended periods? (say 5 yrs) If the body didn't know how to make HIVantibodies, wouldn't the HIV virus "take advantage"...

Response from Rick Sowadsky, M.P.H.

Nevada State Health Division AIDS Program

Hi. Thank you for your post.If you have further questions, please e-mail me at "nvhotline@aol.com" or call me at 1-800-842-AIDS.... Read more »

Go to Ask the Experts »

Connect With Others

Antibody test question

Posted by Anonymous, 1 Reply

I had an antibody test recently, in Amsterdam. I was at a clinic and they gave me the results the next day. If I had done it in the morning they would have been done by noon! I'm back in the USA now and waiting on a follow up test that won't be... Read more »

Enlarged spleen, antibodies and testing

Posted by Questioningone, 1 Reply

The ribcage area around my spleen is enlarged, It doesn't hurt but sticks out. It has been like that for 4 days now (started roughly 4 weeks after a low-risk exposure, gave oral to girl). Have pretty much had all the ARS symtoms imaginable since 1... Read more »

ANTIBODY TESTING WILL BE REPLACED

Posted by JOHN_IN_LONDON, 3 Replies

I think almost every doctor is really excited with how fast technology is moving in the hiv diagnostic area,real time pcr testing will i think eventually replace the boring antibody testing procedure.as we all know viral load testing,and dna pcr... Read more »

HIV Antibody Testing

Posted by sunkyst, 3 Replies

Does anyone know why HIV antibody tests are done, rather than just directly checking for the HIV virus in the bloodstream? In HIV+ people, their blood can be checked for viral loads, why can't they do this when doing a HIV test, rather than test... Read more »

Connect on Our Bulletin Boards »

Tools

My Health Tracker

Assess Your Risk for HIV

Find Local HIV/AIDS Services

Resource Centers

Guides for People With HIV

View All of Our Guides >>