Re: Request for information about test that detects HIVvirus in window period

[Guest guest]

Dear Forum,

Re: /message/10325

These are all correct information but not complete.

Not only the cost of these tests is very high but sensitivity is very low during

the early phase. Which essentially means that if positive the test may tell that

the blood is contaminated but a negative test does not confirm that the blood is

not contaminated/or is not in 'window period'. Not only is doing these tests not

a sound public health policy it is neither reliable for an individual.

It is half truth propoganda by manufacturers that these tests detect infection

as early as 48 hours. The complete truth is that these tests 'may' but not

necessarily 'do' detect early infection.

Thus they may in fact give a very false sense of safety that too at almost 10

times the cost. Beware!

--

Vinay Kulkarni

PRAYAS

Amrita Clinic, Karve Road

Pune 411004 (India)

Tel: 91 20 25441230

Tel/Fax: 91 20 25420337

prayashealth@...

www.prayaspune.org