[Girlene]

Thanks for the link. It’s my understanding that it’s still possible for him to have it, but not be positive yet...Is that right from what you know?

[thackney]

From what I have read, it appears it is difficult to be sure negative results until the 21 days has past.

I have not read of any false positives, only false negative from the Virus not yet building up in enough quantity or symptoms.

[thackney]

http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/hcp/interim-guidance-specimen-collection-submission-patients-suspected-infection-ebola.html

When Specimens Should Be Collected for Ebola Testing at CDC

Ebola virus is detected in blood only after the onset of symptoms, usually fever. It may take up to 3 days after symptoms appear for the virus to reach detectable levels. Virus is generally detectable by real-time RT-PCR from 3-10 days after symptoms appear.

Specimens ideally should be taken when a symptomatic patient reports to a healthcare facility and is suspected of having an Ebola exposure. However, if the onset of symptoms is <3 days, a later specimen may be needed to completely rule-out Ebola virus, if the first specimen tests negative.