ELISA accuracy - Your perspective

Dear Doc,

Ok, from reading this site and consulting various other sources, I have decided that yes, my exposure was low risk, but I still need a negative result to ease my mind.

Today at 11.6 weeks (80 days) post exposure, I took an ELISA test. I know it is a few days early of my 12 week/84 day mark (Mon 03/12, exposure 10/09) but I really want to move on! I think deep down, I know I'm ok, but I also dont want to give myself a false sense of security either.

The reason why I tested early was because I consulted a doctor here in South Africa who felt that ELISA tests are more accurate then Rapid (finger ***** tests) and that a negative result on an ELISA test at this stage would be conclusive and I wouldnt need to test at 6 months.

My exposure: received unprotected oral (here in South Africa, our health dept still considers this risky!) and possible contact between my penis/urethra and my partners semen when he masturbated me with the same hand he had used prior to masturbate himself till ejaculation. I was also a little anxious because once he had rinsed his hand of his semen, I don't know if semen in the water (we were in a shower), rinsed onto me, into my eye or mouth etc.

So Doc, my questions:

1. Do you agree with my Doc's opinion?
2. If negative, can I accept the ELISA results as conclusive, even though I'm in South Africa and I don't know how advanced our testing is?
3. If negative and considering my exposure was low risk, I dont need a 6 month test right?

Lastly, a huge thank you for the service you provide! I wish we had something similar in SA!

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Directly to your questions:

1) Your doctor is correct.  The only question in my mind is why you don't trust him. Any doc in South Africa undoubtedly has much more experience with HIV testing than do I or Dr. Hook.

2,3) Your tests are already definitively negative.  No further testing is required or recommended.

Best wishes---  HHH, MD

[ImStupid]

Sorry to interupt thread - curious about the question comparing Elisa to Rapid.  My thoughts is they were both around the same level of accuracy.  Can a 6 week Elisa and a 6 week Rapid be treated with the same level of reliability?  Thanks.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Rapid tests also use ELISA technology.  The rapids carry higher risk of false positive results.  

[gaza2010]

Thank you Doc.

Refering to you answer to question 1 - I necer actually thought about it from that perspective! Thank you!

[gaza2010]

My results came back negative.

Thank you

[ravi275]

A related discussion, 84 th day elisa for both sex partner is negative non reactive was started.