Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2005. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.


Question:

I have heard that HCV can interfere with the window period to test for HIV antibodies....is this true? If so, how long should one wait before testing for HIV? Will a PCR test be more accurate in a situation of suspected co-infection?

Answer provided by:

Douglas T. Dieterich, M. D.
Chief of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Cabrini Medical Center
Assoc. Prof. of Medicine NYU School of Medicine



A few more months. But neither virus interferes with the level of the other. So doing the PCR for HIV, HCV or HBV is the way to test. Or all 3. Good luck!

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