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(pistolero @ May 24 2006,12:46)
Alternatively, you can get a PCR test which tests for the viral load (vs. antibodies). I have had these done before and you cut your waiting time way down (see below).
These tests are available at Bumrungrad Hospital in BKK (see the infectious disease specialists, NOT the urologists).
Here are a few details and a link for you.
Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): The quantitative PCR, also known as the viral load test, is considered to be highly reliable for someone who may have recently been exposed to the virus, particularly in a high-risk situation. If the virus is present, the quantitative PCR will reveal how much virus is in a person's bloodstream (the viral load). In most cases, a quantitative PCR is highly accurate within 48 to 72 hours. However, a small number of people don't have viral loads that are high enough to confirm a diagnosis until 28 days after exposure. The most widely available quantitative PCR test, Amplicor® version 1.5, can detect subtypes A through G, which account for 99.96% of HIV infections in the U.S.
The standard recommendation is that a negative PCR result be confirmed with an ELISA test at 13 weeks.
http://www.aidsmeds.com/lessons/HIVtests7.htm
Hope all turns out ok.
(Bam @ May 23 2006,18:53) all you can do now is wait 6 months and then have an HIV test.
These tests are available at Bumrungrad Hospital in BKK (see the infectious disease specialists, NOT the urologists).
Here are a few details and a link for you.
Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): The quantitative PCR, also known as the viral load test, is considered to be highly reliable for someone who may have recently been exposed to the virus, particularly in a high-risk situation. If the virus is present, the quantitative PCR will reveal how much virus is in a person's bloodstream (the viral load). In most cases, a quantitative PCR is highly accurate within 48 to 72 hours. However, a small number of people don't have viral loads that are high enough to confirm a diagnosis until 28 days after exposure. The most widely available quantitative PCR test, Amplicor® version 1.5, can detect subtypes A through G, which account for 99.96% of HIV infections in the U.S.
The standard recommendation is that a negative PCR result be confirmed with an ELISA test at 13 weeks.
http://www.aidsmeds.com/lessons/HIVtests7.htm
Hope all turns out ok.
For initial diagnosis, you don't need to know how much, you need to know "yes" or "no", or in other words, reactive or non-reactive.
If reactive, only then do you need to go on to "how much". Remember, the "how much" test can only see 50 copies per microliter of blood or more. You can be HIV+ at less than 50 copies/mcl.
PiDee
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