Does taking the PILL affect HIV test results?

[jiltra]

Hi,
I recently got a rapid test done today. And the results came back negative! A negative test for both the HIV-1 HIV-2 antibody tests. However, I forgot to tell the doctor that I have been taking birth control pill ( ortho-tricyclen-lo) for almost 2 years. Does this effect the accuracy of the test results? Thank you very much.

P.S. I was scanning all the posts on this forum, and it did not include the pill as possibly effecting it, even though it was mentioned that no drugs can effect the accuracy, accept for cancer patients and iv drug users.

jgreen

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

The previous comments you found are only part of the story.  (By the way, you misunderstood something about IV drug users.  IV drug use doesn't affect HIV test results.)  In addition to people with cancer, there are innumerable statements on this forum that no medication alters HIV test results, with the possible exception of very potent chemotherapy or other drugs that suppress the immune system.  Even for those drugs and for advanced cancer, it's only theoretical.  There are few if any known cases of people having false negative HIV test results because of those things.

Birth control pills have no effect whatsoever.  If you think about it, this would be impossible, since the pill ingredients simply mimic various normal body hormones.  And the test is reliable in pregnant women, whose blood contains hundreds of times the hormone levels provided by the pill.

Best wishes--  HHH, MD

[susan123susan123]

A related discussion, Do hormone tablets affect HIV ELisa test? was started.

[kate_love]

A related discussion, valtrax affecting the accuracy of the result was started.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

The speed of results means nothing.  The negative result is valid.

I won't have any further comments.

[jiltra]

Thank you for your reply Dr. Handsfield. My behavior is normal, I have been in a monogamous relationship for the last year and a half. My results from the rapid test was a negative. I just wanted to make sure that the exam was reliable since the results are so fast:) So the chances of getting a false negative, usually would rely on the window period? Thanks again. This forum is a great.

Sincerely,
jgreen

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

All the standard HIV tests are equally reliable.  The rapid tests have a somewhat greater chance of giving false positive results, which can be upsetting while someone waits to learn that the positive result really is negative.  But even that is rare.

The lab-based test results normally are available within 4-5 days.  I don't understand a 2-3 week wait.  Find a different provider who uses a lab with more rapid turnaround.

But you should expect a negative result, assuming your behaviors are typical, with heterosexual, non-injection drug using partners.

[jiltra]

Thank you Dr. Handsfield for your very informative information, I really do appreciate your expert opinion and advice. I have a quick question, is there one HIV test that is more reliable than another? ( i.e., rapid HIV tests antibody for HIV 1 and 2 antibodies in 10-15 minutes vs. HIV test that is given in 2-3 weeks while it is being sent to a lab). Thank you again for your expert opinions.

Regards and many thanks,
jgreen