Western Blot as screening test?

[seeking_knowledge]

Hi,

Is there any reason my doctor would use a Western Blot as the screening test?  He seemed reluctant to even have me test in the first place, saying that I was low risk.  After I insisting on getting tested, my lab paperwork is for a Western Blot.  

I've been doing some research and from what I can find the WB is for confirmation purposes usually.  Any idea why he would have used it to screen?  

Thanks everyone

[regularjoey]

A Western Blot should be taken only if the ELISA was positive. Your Doc should not be ordering the WB if the screening test was negative.

[seeking_knowledge]

Sorry to be a bother but to clarify my previous post, has anyone ever known of an instance where the quick test was neg and the WB was positive (both taken after the window period)?

[seeking_knowledge]

possible exposure was well over 3 months ago so hopefully everything will be fine.  I was just concerned that something might show on the WB that didnt on the OraSure...what do you think?  

By the way, I sincerely appreciate you sharing your knowledge.  

[Teak]

I don't know what your exposure was, but an orasure test is conclusive at 3 months post exposure.

[seeking_knowledge]

thanks for the reply Teak.  I am getting pretty anxious waiting for the results but in the meantime I took an OraSure with the finger stick and it came back negative.  Do I need to worry about the upcoming WB results with this in mind?  Thanks again

[Teak]

Have no idea and it should not have been used.