AIDS blood test help

Hi Dr.

I had a sexual relationship about 4 and a half months ago with a friend that I never saw again. Since then, I haven't had any sexual relationship.

I just got the AIDS test (with ELISA method) and it came back negative.

My question is if I can be 100% that I'm AIDS free or do I need to get the Western Blot method. As I told you above, I haven't had any sexual relationship in 4 and a half months.

Thanks.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

The western blot is used only to confirm a positive ELISA.  A negative ELISA is definitive proof against HIV infection, as long as enough time has gone by since exposure.  4 months is more than enough time.  You can be 100% certain you are not infected with HIV. Congratulations--rest easy!  And think about condoms next time....   ;-)

Good luck--  HHH, MD