When are urine samples too old to test?

Question

I was tested for hiv with a urine test. It came back negative but it took 26 days to get the result. It took so long because their is no lab in my state that can test for hiv with urine, so it had to go to an out of state lab. Would the sample have been degraded by that time, or can I count on the result as accurate?

Answer 1

I wouldn't. Urine refridgerated is good for 48 hours, but the HIV virus isn't. Urine at room temp is good for 24 hours, but the HIV virus isn't. Test urine for HIV has to be done immediately, or it's a waste of time and money. You need a blood test kiddo to be accurate.