Confused on ELISA Test Results

[redskin786]

Hi Doc-

Im extremely confused and scared about my results from an ELISA test I took for HIV.  It read as non-reactive but the value it posted was 1.0.  Think the range for a positive result is greater than 1.0 correct?  I was tested only 10 days after the exposure/risk.  I asked the lady that I slept w her status and she is claiming that she was tested not to long ago and everything was fine.  She mentioned that she will get tested again to confirm which leads me to beleive she's had potential exposures since the last time or she's just not telling me the truth.  Im a male btw...

My questions are:

What should I take from this result?  
Should I look at the value more so than the non-reactive statement?  
Could this possibly mean that Im seroconverting?
Since my score was a 1.0, wouldnt my doctor mention anything along the lines of come back for further testing?  Because he didnt...

Im freaking out right now and I know that I have to re-test anyways but I cant get to a clinic until next Thursday.  I supposedly find out from the lady I slept w on Monday in regards to her results.

Please let me know your thoughts as Im so scared right now...thanks.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Both your and your partner's HIV tests are negative.

1) Negative results at 50 days are conclusive.
2) No, not odd at all.
3) I see no need for additional testing.

[redskin786]

Hi Doc-

Wanted to get your opinion once again...she got tested 6 weeks out from the initial encounter and she posted the same result as me, 1.0 on the Elisa test.  I tested 50 days out again via the rapid 20min test in which they pricked the finger to obtain the blood needed.  Thankfully, that result was negative.  

Now, Ive been hit w a severe cold/flu (mid grade fever) in which I have a dry cough, fatigued, head is congested, lymph nodes within my neck and groin are appearing, and loss of appetite, etc.  These recent symptoms are drawing concern for me as her numbers were exactly like mine.  She didnt mention if she had any exposures prior to me, which she very well couldve.  

My questions:

1) Do you think that 50 days out is conclusive enough to rule out HIV infection?
2) Do you find it odd that our results were exactly the same?  She tested for other STD's as well and her HSV-1 and HSV-2 results were exactly the same as mine too.  I find that really weird and peculiar so I have to ask for your opinion on this?  Is this just coincidence?
3) Depending on your answers, do you think I should re-test at the 3 month mark?

Just really concerned and would like to get your opinion.  

Thanks.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

This sounds like a very low risk exposure, since the odds your partner had HIV probably were low to start; she has been tested recently and negative (and most people are truthful about their HIV status when asked directly); and even if she had it, the chance of transmission to you through unprotected vaginal sex probably was around 1 chance in 2,000.  This is sufficiently low risk that testing really wasn't necessary at all from a risk assessment standpoint, only for anxiety relief.  To your questions:

1-3) An antibody test result at 10 days is meaningless.  Your result does not suggest seroconversion.  Ignore the numerical value; the conclusion is what is important.

4) My guess is that your doctor realized the risk was low and that you really didn't need testing.  And probably he did not expect you to freak out over the numerical result; most people are satisfied just to be told the result is negative.

Why test again when it's still too early to rely on the result?  Since your partner is being tested, wait for her result.  If that is negative, you will know she isn't infected and you will not need any other tests at all.  If she should happen to be positive, return to your doctor and follow his advice about what tests to do and when.  In the meantime, mellow out.  The chance you caught HIV is virtually zero.

Regards--  HHH, MD