Worried on testing for HIV

[dagggerrpm]

I had unprotected vaginal sex on 9/17/06.  Tested Negative on 11/15/06 with rapid test ELISA.

The female had sex with another guy two months before me and on 10/31/06.  She was tested on November 7, 2006.  Rapid test -- apparently positive with some indication of anti-body.  RNA test was negative.  Her doctor had her get a western spot test.  Still waiting for those results.

My negative test was 8.5 weeks out.  Can I relax?  How accurate is the RNA test as an indicator she is neg and she got a false positive on the rapid test?

Your insights will help my anxiety.

[sparkeler]

Your partner most likely had a false positive test result.  Since her other test was negative, she is most likely negative.  There are no false negative tests.  Regardless of her status, you are hiv negative.  Your 8.5 week test is conclusive.  Congrads:)

[dagggerrpm]

Thanks ... I will feel better when her test comes back neg. on the Western Blot.

Any one else have thoughts on why she has a NAT neg and a pos on the rapid?

I have asked her to retake the rapid test.

[WorriedUS]

I have heard of those rapid tests having more than their share of false positives.  False negatives are very very rare, especially among standard antibody tests.  I assume by RNA test you mean the PCR test which test for the Viral RNA??  In any case, those tests (RNA) are not so accurate either and the risk of false positives from those in many cases is inordinately high.  But it's all a moot point.  most people who have HIV test positive for HIV antibodies by 4 weeks (90-95%), by 6 weeks (95-99%), and by 12 weeks (99.9%).  Your own test results are definitive.

Search this website for 'time to test positive HIV'.

Good luck.

-WorriedUS

[dagggerrpm]

I meant NAT .. the test Nucleaic Acid Test.  I guess the Blood banks use this test.  Is the the same test you referring to that has false positives?  If so, her negative test should be great news.

She gets here western blot test results today.  I will let you know the result.  If she is neg ... I am 100% clear.  I hope to god that is the case for her and me.

[WorriedUS]

okay, I misunderstood. Didn't know you meant Nat testing. But regardless..jury is still out on efficacy of NAT testing for HIV.  It's a test to largely test for HIV and Hep. in larger samples of blood at blood banks.

but at any rate, a simple HIV antibody test at 6 weeks is all that is needed for you. And you had one, from what you indicated.  case closed.

[WorriedUS]

okay, I misunderstood. Didn't know you meant Nat testing. But regardless..jury is still out on efficacy of NAT testing for HIV.  It's a test to largely test for HIV and Hep. in larger samples of blood at blood banks.

but at any rate, a simple HIV antibody test at 6 weeks is all that is needed for you. And you had one, from what you indicated.  case closed.

[dagggerrpm]

Great news .. her test is negative ... I can now stop worrying and have full confidence I am negative.

Thanks for your responses.

[cholny29]

That is awesome! Congratulations! I know you must be thrilled!  Stay safe!

[dagggerrpm]

I plan on it.  The one moment without protection has not been worth this grief!