To Mike_no

Dear, Mike_no:

I would appreciate if you can answer my queries. Having an India view will help give me a better perspective especially about the reliability of certain tests and hospitals that conduct these. A few specific questions for you below.  

I got tested in Apollo Hospital Bangalore in Feb 2009 at 96 days after exposure. I again got tested at the same hospital in Feb 2010, 15 months after exposure. The test result reported -  "HIV 1/2 ELFA (Enzyme Linked Immuno Fluoroscense Assay) : Non Reactive".

1> How reliable are these tests conducted at Apollo Hospital, Bangalore?
2> Is the ELFA test method an improved ELISA (as explained by the doctor at Apollo) and is it a Duo test/4th generation test?
3> Do I need to get another ELISA done at a different lab?

Appreciate you response.

Thanks,
Hivedoff

P.S: I have already sked a few related questions in the doctors forum, which have been kindly answered by Dr. EWH and Dr.HHH. But, I wanted a more specific answer about  Apollo Hospital and if the ELFA test in India is approved ?

[kumar007]

i studied in bangalore for 5 yrs...so i can answer india related question for u

1- very reliable
2- it tests for presence of antibodies ..you have a 3 mmonth negative as well as a 15 mth negative so its CONCLUSIVE
3- no need

time to move on

[hivedoff]

Thanks for the answers, Dr.Kumar.

I would appreciate if you can look at question 2 and let me know if what was told by the doctor was correct.

BTW, did you study medicine in Bangalore?

Cheers,
Hivedoff

[kumar007]

in belgaum to be exact..
you can google it..its about the same and produce same results..
so your are allright,many people in this forum would luv to be in your shoes right now..
so you need to trust and believe your test results and move on..

[hivedoff]

Thanks for the responses. I did try and google it but it was not very informative.

Is it an anitbody test or was it a viral load test?  When you say it is about the same and produces the same results are you suggesting it is not an ELISA test?  Can you point me to some resources on the web on ELFA?

[hivedoff]

Sorry for the query on the anitbody or viral. Read that it is an antibody test in your response above. However, the answers to the other two questions would be informative.

Thanks!