Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: Titanscape on 02/01/2005 15:55:46

Title: Aids Tests Accuracy and Timeing.
Post by: Titanscape on 02/01/2005 15:55:46

How long does it take before a person can be tested for Aids after intercourse? How accurate are the tests? 100%?

Titanscape

Title: Re: Aids Tests Accuracy and Timeing.
Post by: chris on 04/01/2005 09:01:52

An HIV test looks for several things. The initial 'screening' test looks for antibodies against HIV. A further test looks for viral proteins (indicating that the virus is growing in the individual) and is used to 'type' the virus, and a final test, which is the most sensitive, looks for the viral nucleic acid and can also be used to predict sensitivity to anti-viral drugs.

A standard 'AIDS test' available from the GU Medicine Clinic will screen for antibodies. These do not appear, reliably, until at least 3 months after infection and therefore exposed individuals are urged to wait until then for testing, whilst taking careful precautions in the interim in case they turn out to be positive.

Chris

"I never forget a face, but in your case I'll make an exception"
 - Groucho Marx

Title: Re: Aids Tests Accuracy and Timeing.
Post by: Titanscape on 05/01/2005 16:51:44

Thanks Chris, when does Aids become contagious?

Titanscape

Title: Re: Aids Tests Accuracy and Timeing.
Post by: chris on 06/01/2005 12:45:10

HIV remains infectious whilst it is inside the body. But it is a very fragile entity and falls apart quickly in the environment - the particles deactivate within hours.

"I never forget a face, but in your case I'll make an exception"
 - Groucho Marx