Answer: Are HIV test results after 3 months accurate?

You suspect you have HIV and wonder when to get tested for accurate results. Because these test results affect the health of you and your family. So is HIV test after 3 months accurate, let's find out.

Many people believe that people suspected of being infected with HIV should take an HIV test after 3 months for accurate results. From a medical perspective, SignsSymptomsList will share with you the information related to HIV testing after 3 months, is it accurate?

Answer: Is HIV test after 3 months accurate?

HIV is a dangerous disease. It's not like other viruses are killed or inhibited, so when a patient has HIV, it seems like you're at risk of living with it for the rest of your life.

In fact, at present, there is no cure for HIV in the world. But if the patient follows a healthy lifestyle and uses ARV drugs regularly, the disease is still controlled and life expectancy is extended.

Statistics from the Department of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control (Ministry of Health) show that, in the first nine months of 2018, the country detected 7497 newly tested HIV infections, 2514 people turned to AIDS and 1436 patients. die. . At the same time, statistics also show that the number of new HIV infections is concentrated at a relatively young age, accounting for 38% of 16 - 29 years old, and 30 - 39 years old accounting for 36% of all infections. People living with HIV by age.

Statistics also show that HIV is mainly transmitted through unprotected sex , accounting for 63% of people infected with HIV in the country and 23% through blood. The total number of people living with HIV is 208,705.

The golden time to get tested is during the first 3 months after a risky behavior for HIV infection

After being exposed to the risk of HIV infection, most people want to know the truth about the disease. Currently, there are many methods of sampling for testing such as: Blood or oral fluid. In particular, taking blood from the fingertip is very fast and accurate. According to experts, the golden time to get tested is during the first 3 months after a risky behavior that puts you at risk of HIV infection. So you don't have to wonder if an HIV test after 3 months is accurate.

Why say HIV test after 3 months is accurate?

When does an HIV test give the right result?

Why is it true to say 3 months to get an HIV test because HIV test results can be false negative soon after exposure because this is an open period for HIV testing.

Because after entering the body, the virus has many ways to multiply such as:

• During the first week of rapid multiplication, the virus spreads throughout the body. We found that the virus was present in the cerebrospinal fluid before it was detected in the blood.
• After this 3 - 6 week period, the infection goes away. Statistics show that 95% of people living with HIV still think that their body is healthy, not tired.
• After two months, HIV started showing up early with flu- like symptoms . However, if you are currently testing to see if you are HIV-positive, the results may not be accurate.

Statistics show that 95% of people with HIV still think that their body is healthy, not tired

So is the 3-month HIV test accurate? This is the most appropriate time because at this stage the symptoms of the disease are clear. More than 95% of patients are diagnosed at this stage. If the test result is negative, it means you are not infected. If you are positive, you have HIV. 

HIV testing methods

Currently there are many very reliable HIV testing methods but the Combo test method detects antigen/antibody simultaneously in antigen-based automated immunoassay by chemiluminescence or electrochemiluminescence method. with very high accuracy up to 99.99%.

Patients only have to wait 45 - 60 minutes to receive results, the meter is also very easy to use.

The test is performed as follows:

• Step 1: It is a quick test and is performed 2 times to ensure the accuracy of the results and limit errors.
• Step 2: If the result is reactive (indeterminate), the laboratory will do a blood test . Currently, the doctor is ordering more tests to determine whether the patient is really HIV-positive. In other words, a 3-month HIV test is accurate, reliable results.

Test procedure

You should choose a reputable medical facility with modern equipment and high security. Here, you guide me to do the following procedure:

• Register at the front desk.
• Consult your doctor before testing.
• Then you choose the method is blood or oral fluid. However, we currently test for HIV mainly with blood.
• The sample is returned to the laboratory for analysis.
• Return the results to the doctor's office.
• Your doctor will tell you the test results, advise you on appropriate care and treatment.

Test in the first 3 months for proactive prevention and timely treatment

As mentioned above, it is precisely about 3 months after exposure that HIV test results are available. So, after following your doctor's instructions and choosing a reputable and quality testing medical facility, you don't have to worry about whether the HIV test after 3 months is accurate.

People suspected of having the disease must be tested during this period for proactive prevention and timely treatment.

Which HIV test gives accurate results after 3 months?

Groups that should be particularly concerned about the accuracy of the 3-month HIV test include:

• People who have sex without a condom or who abuse condoms by people who inject drugs, drug addicts, or people who have sex with many other people.
• People who inject drugs share with other drug users.

When you are exposed to HIV , you feel anxious and most importantly, you need to get tested for accurate results. However, during the time when medical procedures have not been performed, do not have unprotected sex, needles, pins, blood-stained tools, etc. to avoid the risk of infection. Also remember 3 months of HIV testing is accurate, this is the golden period for this activity.