HIV Test Inconclusive?

[Sean121]

- What does that mean?

[Sean121]

Oh ok. I have read that CBC can indicate infections like HIV. But regardless he does intend to have a HIV test done!

[nursegirl6572]

Actually, a CBC isn't going to indicate your husband's HIV status. He would need to take an HIV test.  That may give you some peace of mind if he does.

[Sean121]

Ok thanks, I will do that. My husband just had blood work also, not for HIV but his CBC came back ok So I'm guessing thats a good sign...

[nursegirl6572]

You're still pregnant right?  You will most likely continue to have inconclusive results.  That's typical.  

I would advise asking your OB for a referral to an ID doc (specialize in treating HIV patients) so they can reassure you, through other means besides a test, that you don't have HIV (which, you don't).

[Sean121]

Hello,

My Second Test came back inconclusive!? The lab said they ran in 4 different times, and the Dr said  the consider 2 inconclusives a negative? Have you ever heard of that? I live in Canada, maybe thats something they do here?

Thanks again.

[Sean121]

Again thanks for your help. Since you have answered my questions I have done some research on my own.

From the looks of it, even if I have had risky exposures The chances of getting HIV are pretty slim in Heterosexual Canadians who do not use IV drugs.

I guess it was just my luck that I would get an inconclusive...

[nursegirl6572]

You're very welcome.

I've been an RN for 18 years and have worked with HIV/AIDS patients and a lot of ID docs who specialize in treating HIV.  I've been answering questions here since 2008.

You don't have HIV because you've never had a risk.  I can certainly understand being anxious about having an inconclusive result, but this really is something that happens among pregnant women.

Best of luck with your pregnancy...congrats!

[Sean121]

Ok Thanks Very Much, You have been a big help! You seem to know alot about this stuff are you exposed to these kind of questions often?

Thanks again so much!

[nursegirl6572]

No proble, I understand.  You wouldn't go 10 years wihout knowing you were infected.

Again, this is just related to your pregnancy.  You may want to inform your doc of the relation between false+/inconclusive resulrs and pregnancy.

[Sean121]

Ok thanks, One more question. How long can someone have HIV with no symptoms? Or passing it onto your partener? We have been together for 10 years and we both trust each other. But what if my partener had had it this whole time?

Sorry for all the anxiety riddled questions.

Thanks

[nursegirl6572]

During pregnancy, it is common to have false positive results, or inconclusive results.

Pregnant women produce antibodies that can sometimes be detected on an HIV test, causing the results to be + or inconclusive.

Like I said before...tattoos are NOT a risk for HIV.  NO ONE has ever gotten HIV from getting a tattoo.

If you didn't engage in any of the things I listed as risks, you have nothing to worry about,.

[Sean121]

Why is this a Common occurence during Pregnancy? Do they use a less accurate test? My Doctor said it could have been from the tattoo if I am positive...

[nursegirl6572]

This is a common occurence during pregnancy.  If you did not have a risk (unprotected vaginal or anal sex, or sharing IV drug works)...then you have nothing to worry about.

Getting a tattoo is not a risk for HIV.

[Sean121]

Hi,
My risk is pretty low, other than a tattoo recently. This kind of threw me for a loop I am pregnant and did not see this happenning. Does an inconclusive mean that they saw a number raised or that the test itself was messed up?

Thanks very much.

[nursegirl6572]

That means it was neither positive nor negative.  Usually, you would be advised to retest.  What was your risk, and what kind of test did you take?