So for arguments sake. If the CD4 count comes back low, and MY PCR/ELISA come back negative. It could possibly point to some type of infection like a HIV Group N infection or some other infectious disease?
Thanks for the explanation on CD4 counts. As far as the ID doc I'm just going on the advice of my GP.
It's not the CD4 that drops quick it's the increase of the viral load if one is infected. For most people when the CD4 drops due to HIV infection the normal way it increases is by taking medication. It can take several months for ones CD4 and VL to stabilize. What I don't understand is how you got into an ID doctor when you have not tested positive for HIV and have an 8-week negative test, unless you have some other Infectious Disease.
These tests were order by my GP, and the others are being performed by the ID Doc in New York I was refered to by my GP. Both tests are accompanied by elisa. They both feel my huge lymph nodes in neck/ fevers and other symtpoms are worrisome enough to perform these tests. My question was actually about the CD4 count though?
If someone is infected HIV, how long does CD4 count usually remain low? Whats low? Below 500?
PCR DNA tests are NOT approved to diagnose HIV. PCR DNA test are approved to use on people that are HIV positive to monitor their HIV progression.
My risk= uprotected vaginal/oral with csw. Last PCR was DNA, this PCR is RNA. So a skewed CD4 will point to infection, but not necessarily HIV?
If your swollen nodes are due to an (non-HIV) infectious process, then that could affect your CD4 count anyway, so it wouldn't tell you anything.
As to why he's ordering a different PCR test when you've already had one I'm not sure. One's not more reliable than the other as far as I'm aware.
As Vance says, you don't state your risk. That would help.
Let me ask what was your encounter?
And the negative test at 8 weeks is a very good sign. You could take another HIV test now and be just about conclusive.