Request for information about test that detects HIV virus in window period

[Guest guest]

Dear forum,

I am Dr Vikram Doshi

I seek advise from all experts of this forum that as we all know that there is

no test that detects hiv virus in window period?

If someone in this period donates the blood, then how can we overcome this

problem?

Dr Vikram Doshi

e-mail: <drvikramdoshi@...>

[Guest guest]

Dear Dr Vikram,

Re: /message/10325

This is possible with the tests like Polymerase Chain Reaction test which can

detect Viral DNAs as early as possible within a week's time after the infection

and also another test called as P24 Antigen test.

These are all available at most of the cities and on requst in smaller towns

thru' courier service, but will cost not less than Rs. 2500/. So it cannot be

done as a routine for everybody who are likely to be in window period and for

all blood transfusion.

This problem may be overcome only by counselling and people should realize this

possibility and abstain from such activities and blood donations.In

circumstances where doctor suspects, he can verify by testing PCR OR P24 Antigen

test in that individuals.

Thanking you,

Dr S.Murugan

Senior Consultant in HIV Medicine,

M.O, CCC, TIRUNELVELI

e-mail: <muruganyes@...>

[Guest guest]

Dear FORUM,

Re: /message/10325

Dr. Vikram Doshi, has indeed asked a very important question which is bypassed

by most.

Yes there is investigation that can detect HIV in window period. However why

such tests have not been introduced in government level I dont know. Hence the

rising positives in India. However the test is expensive- Rs 2000/- to 3000/-.

HIV DNA detector test can detect HIV after 72 hrs of exposure is what the

private sector companies demand.

Regards

Tanmoy Pan

Ex PC

All INDIA TRANSPORTERS WELFARE ASSOCIATION.

e-mail: typan_aitwa@...

[Guest guest]

Dear all,

Re: /message/10325

Jeevan blood bank conducts nucleic acid testing for early detection of HIV.

Due to cost, it may not be useful as a public health measure, but may be used as

a additional personal safety during blood screening measure for those who can

afford.

www.*jeevan*.org/media/NAT_05_June_2008.pdf<http://www.jeevan.org/media/NAT_05_J\

une_2008.pdf>

A discussion on blood safety is available at

http://medind.nic.in/iau/t01/i3/iaut01i3p119g.pdf

--

Dr RK Sood

drrksood@...

+91 9418064077, +91 9445157327