M.E.I.A. Test?
Submitted by worriedplzhelp on Tue, 02/13/2007 - 2:46pm.
After a possible exposure, i had a test done at 8 weeks and 12 weeks. The test was done at the hospital lab, it was an h.i.v. test done "STAT" which means they do it right away. I was told it is a micro enzyme immuno assay test, which is a normal antibody test correct? I tested negative at 12 weeks which i was told is 98-99% accurate?
MEIA Test
MEIA or Microplate Enzymatic Immunoassay is a synonym for ELISA, which is a better known name for this HIV test. MEIA measures the presence of antibodies against HIV proteins, which are produced by the immune system in response to HIV infection. Remember that even though you can now find out your MEIA test results right away it is important to still wait the recommended time period before getting tested.
The reason being that the majority (90%) of individuals sero-convert, after 12 weeks of exposure, and (99%) after 24 weeks. That is why you see recommendations for testing at 12 and 24 weeks, to account for the remote chance of a "late" seroconversion.
If you want to further assure yourself you did not acquire HIV, you should get a 24 week test. Testing anytime sooner will not provide any more information.
If you have more specific questions about HIV transmission please feel free to either post on this site or email me directly for a quicker response at erica.williamson@avi.org, or call our anonymous AIDS InfoLine Toll Free @ 1-800-665-2437
Sincerely,
Erica Williamson
Health Promotion Educator and Postive Health Project Coordinator