Western Blot accuracy after 17 years!

Dear Dr.,

I had a heterosexual exposure 17 years ago (vaginal, oral, rimming), but have had weird symptoms through the years, including:  tingling in hands and feet, feet swelling, eye swelling, gastrointestinal bloating and soft stool constipation, ulcers in mouth and what appears to be hairy leukoplakia on the ridge of my tongue.  This latter issue has actually been there since 1993.  This was my only exposure and in the year 2000 my wife became pregnant and tested 'negative' on the Western Blot.  This relieved my fears, because at this time we had 7 years of unprotected sex since my exposure.  

Next, my wife became pregnant in 2005, but did not receive an HIV test, because there were not exposures between pregnancies.  But, at the first of this year I noticed mouth sores in my five year old (in January and in April).  This freaked me out, because I thought I had infected my entire family.  So, I decided to get tested.  So, after 17 years they performed a Western Blot and it came back 'negative' on all bands.  I think that both mine and my wife's tests were Western Blots without initial Elisas.  Can I trust these two Western Blots despite my symptoms, fear, and anxiety?  If my immune system were comprised enough to get some of these symptoms in 1993, would I be alive 17 years later?  Please help me, I am freaking out.

Outside of these issues, I have been a very athletic and healthy person; but, I'm living in terror.  Do our tests trump my symptoms?

Thank you for your time and consideration.  Any help would be appreciated!

Alan

[Teak]

Western Blot tests are confirmative tests not diagnostic tests.

[AASM]

But, wouldn't The Western Blot show 'positive'?  If the Elisa was positive and the Western Blot was negative, the Western Blot would be 'definitive', right?  I thought the Western Blot was the 'Gold Standard'.  Shouldn't I be able to trust it?  Why else would 2 doctors, even one trying to protect my pregnant wife order it?  Please help, I'm terribly worried.

Thanks,
Alan

[Teak]

NO. They don't know the first thing about HIV tests.

[AASM]

Please.............Is it likely that the two 'Western Blots' are accurate?  Other professionals have informed me that the Western Blot is definitive...........Please, I'm in ultimate grief here.  Be compassionate.

Alan

[Teak]

Here is how the testing works. Positive ELISA the ELISA is repeated if the ELISA is positive again then you are given a Western Blot to confirm the positive tests. The tests are not given any other way and they are given in that order. Had you had a negative ELISA you wouldn't have been given a Western Blot.

[AASM]

I was just trying to ascertain the validity of the Western Blot.  I'm sorry I bothered you.  It was not my intention.  I will not post here again.  I'm in true agony, and was trying to find out if the WB negatives are a good sign.  I'll not post here again.  Sorry.

Alan

[Teak]

I suggest you go to someone that knows the testing proceedures.

[AASM]

Dr. Robert Frascino states that my results are 'definitive', please reply and I'll be done
Response from Dr. Frascino

Hi,

The recommended test for HIV screening is an HIV-antibody test (ELISA, EIA, rapid test, etc.). The Western Blot is a confirmatory test that should only be run to confirm a reactive (positive) screening test!

That said, your negative result is definitive and yes, HIV-screening tests and Western Blots would be accurate 17 years after an exposure. You can read much more about HIV diagnostic tests in the archives of this forum. Check it out!

Dr. Bob

[Teak]

That is what I told you had you took the time to read the replies.

[AASM]

Why would you torture me in such a critical time in my life.  I was not able to get out of bed for four days until I received my results.  You said 'nothing' about the Western Blot being 'definitive'.  

Can you please give me a straight answer.  Do you think Dr. Bob is right regarding our 'definitive' status.

Alan

[Teak]

Either did Dr. Bob had you read what he said.  And he said, "HIV-screening tests and Western Blots would be accurate 17 years after an exposure". Did you not read that? Where did he say Western Blot would be accurate 17 years.

[AASM]

He said my results were 'definitive'.  I don't know what you're asking.  My only exposure was 17 years ago.  And I got tested almost two weeks ago.  He said this was 'definitive'.

DO YOU AGREE?  That's all I'm asking.

[AASM]

This sure hasn't been the supportive community I was searching for.  After the joy of a negative test, I am now totally distraught and terrified again.

Alan

[Teak]

This discussion is over. I told you the testing process and how it was done.

[ConfusedandStressed]

Have you been tested for celiac disease?  Many of the symptoms you describe is similar to those of celiac.  Also, there are many many many viruses that causes sores in a child's mouth so don't worr yourself.  You have done nothing to harm your child.  Please stop worrying yourself and enjoy your family.

[Teak]

Look at the date before responding.

[zoom27]

hi teak

you said that " Positive ELISA the ELISA is repeated if the ELISA is positive again then you are given a Western Blot to confirm the positive tests "

what happen if a person get positive ELISA on first time and than negative ELISA on second time , in this case would a person refer to the western blot or he is considered as negative ?

thank you