Aa
Positive elisa..
I went for a std/hiv check up about 2 weeks ago. The results of the elisa came back "repeatedly reactive". They did a follow up western blot, which came back negative.
Now, the lab has sent off my blood to another lab to test using what is called an immunoblot. the dr explained that the western blot looks just for hiv 1. and that the immunoblot looks specifically for hiv 2.
I'm so scared.
My last exposure was unprotected sex about a year ago. Since that exposure, I had a few rapid tests done. 2 were the unigold rapid test, but they only check for hiv 1. The other one was the oraquick advance. Those 3 were beyond the window period and were non reactive.
I do not know what prompted me to get tested again. I almost wish I hadnt.
What are my chances of being infected with HIV 2? Would the western blot have came back intermediate if HIV 2 was present? like, does the western blot check for certain proteins that both HIV 1 and 2 have?
Please help me.
I am almost thinking about calling the dr office and asking them to not run the immunoblot. Can I even do that?
thank you
Now, the lab has sent off my blood to another lab to test using what is called an immunoblot. the dr explained that the western blot looks just for hiv 1. and that the immunoblot looks specifically for hiv 2.
I'm so scared.
My last exposure was unprotected sex about a year ago. Since that exposure, I had a few rapid tests done. 2 were the unigold rapid test, but they only check for hiv 1. The other one was the oraquick advance. Those 3 were beyond the window period and were non reactive.
I do not know what prompted me to get tested again. I almost wish I hadnt.
What are my chances of being infected with HIV 2? Would the western blot have came back intermediate if HIV 2 was present? like, does the western blot check for certain proteins that both HIV 1 and 2 have?
Please help me.
I am almost thinking about calling the dr office and asking them to not run the immunoblot. Can I even do that?
thank you
Last question..
About 6 weeks before testing, I had a blood draw at a private clinic. The dr withdrew the blood himself and he also didn't wear gloves while doing this. Could he have reused a needle and I could be seroconverting now and that is why the Elisa was positive and WB negative? It was one of those vacutainer needles. if this was the case, would the WB be intermediate and not negative?
About 6 weeks before testing, I had a blood draw at a private clinic. The dr withdrew the blood himself and he also didn't wear gloves while doing this. Could he have reused a needle and I could be seroconverting now and that is why the Elisa was positive and WB negative? It was one of those vacutainer needles. if this was the case, would the WB be intermediate and not negative?
Your last post indicates the seriousness of the poor state of mind you are in. Now you are worried about reused needles? Irrational thinking.
This is a PERFECT example of why over-testing is never a good idea. You tempt fate enough, you are going to end up with a false positive, which is exactly what happened to you, and now you're going off the deep end.
You need professional help, we can not do anything for you. This is an HIV forum and you do not have an HIV concern. Now, time to move on.
This is a PERFECT example of why over-testing is never a good idea. You tempt fate enough, you are going to end up with a false positive, which is exactly what happened to you, and now you're going off the deep end.
You need professional help, we can not do anything for you. This is an HIV forum and you do not have an HIV concern. Now, time to move on.
Your best bet at this point is to seek professional mental help. Your issues are beyond the scope of help that an HIV forum can provide.
* Anyone who continues to post excessively, questioning a conclusively negative result or no-risk situation, will be subject to action by MedHelp. Conclusively negative results or a no-risk situation will be based upon the criteria established by MedHelp’s doctors. Action will be taken as follows:
* After excessive posting, a warning will be issued by MedHelp
* Continuing to post regarding the negative result / no risk situation will result in a 3 day suspension
* Continuing to post upon your return will result in a permanent ban.
* After excessive posting, a warning will be issued by MedHelp
* Continuing to post regarding the negative result / no risk situation will result in a 3 day suspension
* Continuing to post upon your return will result in a permanent ban.
i understand, but i guess it's harder once you've been hit by a positive test.
I had let it go and then started thinking "wow, I really got a positive result" I kept saying that to myself, thinking how could that be and what if the WB was incorrect? Even with the negative rapids and WB, it's hard to wrap my mind around it
I'm back with the HIV scare :(
I don't understand how this can creep back on to me..
Is retesting a good idea in my case or is it a waste of time? I thought I was over this :(
I don't understand how this can creep back on to me..
Is retesting a good idea in my case or is it a waste of time? I thought I was over this :(
Nobody here is surprised but I'm glad that you received the results so that you can put this behind you. Sorry you had to go through that. I can't fathom why that test would be even necessary in the first place but no use discussing further at this point.
Wanted to share the results of my HIV 2 immunoblot-negative! What a relief. Thank you all for the reassurance and advice. I can breathe again.
You're correct, joggen. I've been researching the Internet non stop. On my laptop, phone, anywhere I can get Internet. I'll try to stop for the next couple of days, until I get my results. Oh and yes, oraquick does look for both. I made myself believe that it probably wasn't as "sensitive" to HIV 2 antibodies because it is "less common" and that the lab based one probably was "more sensitive" at detecting them..
I know. But when someone is as anxious as you are forums don't always help, and much of the time they make it worse.
We keep telling you that you don't have HIV but your anxiety is making you resistant to our advice. That was just my point.
The internet seems like a logical place to turn to in these situations but much of time it just fuels more fear. Answers to anxiety-driven questions just generate more questions, etc.
We keep telling you that you don't have HIV but your anxiety is making you resistant to our advice. That was just my point.
The internet seems like a logical place to turn to in these situations but much of time it just fuels more fear. Answers to anxiety-driven questions just generate more questions, etc.
How can I not be anxious after that kind of news. This is one I the HARDEST times in my life
Are these answers really helping you? You've been posting on two forums and it seems like the questioning is circular.
It might be better to take a break from forums while you wait and seek treatment for your anxiety.
It might be better to take a break from forums while you wait and seek treatment for your anxiety.
In terms of the differeences between the two tests ( rapid and lab). You answered in terms of WB for HIV 1. This will be my last post, please. If you don't want to, I'll take any other experts advice. Please.
Teak, thank you for replying to my questions. It means a lot. Could you please answer my other questions as well. I could really use the help right now.
Is it more probable that I had a false negative rapid or a false positive lab based ELISA? I always thought the lab based tests were more accurate? Is the rapid oraquick just as able to detect HIV 2 antibodies as the lab based one? Still waiting for HIV 2 western blot results. Also, wanted to know if when the lab based antibody 1/2 test is reactive, do they do a HIV 2 antibody test alone before doing a HIV 2 WB or do they go straight to WB like they do for HIV 1?
I'm going crazy waiting for these results! Any other advice or input on my situation? I cannot get this off my mind even for 10 minutes.
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the HIV Prevention Community
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.
