I don't mean to repeat this same question again as I know you had replied to someone and also provided with a number to get accurate information.
1-800-668-2437
The hotline do tell me that the 4th generation test is available in labs, and asked me to get further information from clinics. ( They're refering to the Hassel Free Clinic.) However, the clinic hardly answered my question about the 4 generation test, they even told me rapid testing they are always doing is the 4 generation. Frome my knowledg it's not likely what they said is right. I have also called other clinics that do not even know what the meaning of 4th generation lab test.
I respect their professional knowledge, can you make a call to the clinic so as to find out if any 4 generation testing truly available in Toronto, please? The number is 416-922-0566. Sorry for bothering. Thank you so much!!
Hello and Thank You for Using the AIDS Vancouver Helpline as your source of AIDS/HIV related information
I called the Hassle Free Clinic, and I asked if there were any 4th Generation tests available in Toronto. They replied that the Ministry of Health of Toronto does perform it. The reason why you may have been having difficulty getting information about the 4th Generation tests is because it is commonly referred to as the 'combination', 'combo', or 'DUO' test, because it tests for the HIV antibodies and the p24 protein antigens.
Also, you are correct that there is a difference between 4th Generation and rapid testing. 4th Generation tests are full blood tests that are sent to a lab and tested for both antibodies and the P24 antigen. Rapid tests are "point of care" HIV tests that give you your results immediately and look for HIV-specific antibodies only (not the P24 antigen). In fact, Rapid tests are a very recent technology and do not have generations the way ELISA or EIA tests do.
For more information about the Ministry of Health's services, the following number was found on the Ministry of Health's website.
INFOline Tel: 1-866-532-3161 (Toll-free in Ontario only)
TTY 1-800-387-5559 Hours of operation: 8:30am - 5:00pm
I hope this helped answer your question. Please don't hesitate to contact us again if you have any concerns.
In Health, Elyse AIDS Vancouver Helpline Volunteer
e: helpline@aidsvancouver.org p: (Mon-Fri 9-4pm ): (604) 696-4666
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I am still not sure if I can
I am still not sure if I can get the access to the duo test, but I will try when I go to Hassel Free Clinic next time. Can you tell me if it would be able to tell from the paper result to know what geneation testing I have taken? Thank you!
Hi there,
Hi there,
It is not common practice to receive a paper result for an HIV-test; however, when you are at the clinic you could request one and see if they will provide it to you. You should talk to the staff at the clinic at the time of your HIV test to confirm what type of HIV test your will be receiving.
If you are able to obtain a paper result for your test, it should indicate what was screened for in your blood. If the results show that both the antibodies (ab) in addition to the P24 protein antigens (ag) were screened for, then you would have definitely received a 4th Generation EIA test.
Keep in mind that regardless of whether or not the test was a 3rd generation or 4th generation EIA as long you were tested after the window period of 12 weeks then the tests are 99.8% and 99.9% accurate respectively and can be considered conclusive.
I hope that clears things up for you, but please let us know if we can provide any additional information.
Cheers,
Cameron
AIDS Vancouver Helpline Volunteer
e: helpline@aidsvancouver.org
p: (Mon-Fri 9-4pm ): (604) 696-4666
w: www.aidsvancouver.org/helpline
Thanks for your knowledge!
Thanks for your knowledge!
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