coninfected?

Hi there,
 
Thank you for using AIDS Vancouver forum for your HIV/AIDS related information.
 
To answer your first question regarding co-infection with both HIV or hepatitis, the window periods for testing are the same as they would be if you were to have contracted only one of viruses. Since the antibodies produced by the immune system for the HIV virus only targets THAT particular virus, the presence of another virus in the body (such as hepatitis) will not affect the window period for testing of HIV and vice versa. Meaning, you don’t have to be concerned about possibility of either HIV or hepatitis affecting the test results for the other virus.
 
The window period for HIV testing is between 4 weeks to 3 months. During this time, up to 95% of infections are detectable. For a conclusive test result, the general gold standard in Canada is 3 months after exposure for the 3rd generation ELISA test or the rapid test. These two are usually the most commonly available testing methods, our website has information on window periods for testing of other types of test as well : www.aidsvancouver.org
 
As for Hepatitis B (and Hepatitis C), the window period for testing is between 3-6 months. If you test negative after 6 months, I would expect that the those results would be considered conclusive. For more information on the different types of hepatitis and other STI's (sexually transmitted infections), ASHA (American Social Health Association) provides a lot of accurate and up to date information on these topics, their website is: ashastd.org.
 
I hope this information was useful, please let me know if you have any other questions.
 
All the best,
Wendy
AIDS Vancouver Helpline Volunteer
604.696.4666, Monday-Friday 9am-4pm
helpline@aidsvancouver.org