Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

False positive?

2 months pregnant, went in for prenatal testing, blood work so on... First test came back repetitively active, western blot negative. The nurse initially told me I was HIV positive because my index value is 3.4. My doctor reassured me that I am hiv negative due to the western blot. My question... what the heck is the index value, should I test again?
p.s. ended up having a miscarriage.
6 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Worrying is an understatement, try having someone tell you you're HIV positive. Thank you for the reply, though... the doctor said I should retest in 6 months to make sure it's not HIV 2. Now I'm freaking out about HIV-2. uggh
Helpful - 0
186166 tn?1385259382
a negative western blot trumps your positive test, therefore the index value is irrelevant.

you're worrying for nothing
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Well you seem as concerned as my doctor.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Free floating contaminates.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I understand that, just don't understand the index value. Do I retest, the doctor said nothing more.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Pregnancies are known to cause false positives.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the HIV Prevention Community

Top HIV Answerers
366749 tn?1544695265
Karachi, Pakistan
370181 tn?1595629445
Arlington, WA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
Can I get HIV from surfaces, like toilet seats?
Can you get HIV from casual contact, like hugging?
Frequency of HIV testing depends on your risk.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may help prevent HIV infection.