PCR testing / Antigen testing

Hi, I am concerned about incidents about 7 years ago.  I had an HIV test done 2 days ago and they told me today they need more blood.  I then found out they do PCR tests.  This worries me greatly.  What does a PCR test show for someone infected 7 years ago?  I understand PCR tries to detect the VIRUS and not the antibodies, and the virus is mostly recognizable only in the early, acute phases, and not the late stages (which I would be in).

Any clarification here would be great.

[meworried]

It really looks very strange. PCR is not a primary diagnostic tool for HIV, and usually ordered by the  doctors in conjunction with CD4 test to decide about HAART. You are right, the best time for a PCR test is between 20-30 days, if ever done for diagnostic purpose.

If your last exposure was 7 years back, there is only a very slight and extremely remote possibilty of you being infected, since after 7 years of infection, and without the anti ritero viral medication, you were either very sick or may be even dead today. And since you are alive with the grace of God, you are healthy, and you will be.

I am surprised, Lab should have shared your results with you first, before asking for more blood. Is it a professional approach, they are following?

[Daveansh]

I have done p24 antigen test at 5/22/42 days..all came negative..i did an antibody test at 7 weeks waiting for results..all the time i did those antigen tests..i thought it was antibody test i did..adn was quite relieved when i got a 6 week negative..but it turned out to be an antigen test..so i am back again to square one...its kind of awful waiting fro results...i guess the lab people should tell u before what kind of test they are doing before they do the test...

[Happy123]

I got my results back and they are NEG.  Thank god.

In my newfound wisdom, I need to share with any and all people out there waiting for test results.  Anxiety is a horrible thing.

I dont consider myself a hypocondriach, but I was CONVINCED I had HIV.  Every possible symptom, yes, I have it.  Or if not, if I googled things enough, I could find something, somewhere proving I had it.

I was already deciding how I had to go back and tell my (pregnant) wife that I had gotten HIV from being with a prostitute 7 years ago, and that I had basically killed her, our unborn child, and our 4 year old son by passing it on to them.

My work all week sufferred, particularly as I kept googling HIV and AIDS all week at every chance.  I couldn't eat, developed tremors (which of course is an HIV symptom!), began recognizing herpes spots on the side of my face, remembering (probably non-existant) occurances of thrush, rashes, and not to mention the week of diarreah (diarrhea) I had 7 years ago 2 months after my last possible exposure.

I mentioned in my post that they do a PCR.  Well as it turns out, on their voice recording they mention it as an option, and of course that is all I remember as I surf the net finding out that PCR is not appropriate past 3 months.  Turns out they were doing antigen testing all along.  There are some strict rules about handling blood apparently and they honestly couldn't use one vile of my blood.  The counselor was very honest with me on the phone today about it, speaking at length of the process.  Of course when I was told I had to give more blood all I heard in my head was "you probably have HIV - go give us some more blood" !!!!   I was convinced they had me go draw more blood because it was an inconclusive (which of course in an anxiety state means POSITIVE) result.

Only thing I will say, is I had 4 viles of blood drawn and a urine sample, and they managed to do my other tests before trying my HIV!  That is what really spooked me.

Dont let anxiety get you.

I am going to go home and give the wife and boy a hug and a kiss.

Be well.

[meworried]

Congratulations  Pal ! Go and spend time with your family, those who care for you more than anybody else on the planet, after your parents.

Nothing is satisfying and soothing, than a passionate love making with your committed partner, subsequently, no worries, no fear, no googling for HIV solutions. At least I won't  buy 6 weeks of sleepless night for 5 minutes pleasure with a prostitute of unknown status. This is the lesson, I learned after my episode. Be happy and all the best wishes for you.  

[o_g]

what was your risk if you don't mind telling

[meworried]

Sure pal ! Wanted to have massage after a long tiring day while was in China on a business trip. Spas associated with hotels in China probably employ CSW's who know everything except body massage in a professional manner. Only after as few unprofessional strokes here and there, they come to the point,,, "sex massage".

I was also trapped and ended up with hand job by her followed by a unprotected BJ to me and fingering to her. Went to many well reputed websites where 3 transmission risks were mentioned, anal, vaginal and oral sex, all unprotected, in the order of severity.

I was extremely stressed as she might be a +ve and ulcers in her mouth or may be bleeding gums. I did not discover this site until then. Anyway, after getting all the necessary tests ran (PCR, HCV, HBV, STD etc) here in Pakistan and then in United States, I was declared safe and free. Finally got my 16 week ELISA very recently done and got "non-Reactive"    

I must appreciate role of my wife, whom I explained everything very honestly and avoided sex with her, until 16th week report was in my hand. I got unbelievable support from her and she offered special prayers for me. That's why I say, nobody loves you better than your own family.  

[o_g]

thanks for sharing your story. I am glad you are feeling better now and your wife stood by you in your difficult times. However, I would like to add that the websites which suggest unprotected insertive oral as possible risk are completely wrong and their editors are grossly misinformed.

Anyways, you got a happy ending. Make sure you keep it that way and stay safe in the future.. Good luck!!!

[meworried]

Thanks my friend, I  also wish the same for you, your health and prosperity in your life,,,,