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Question for Dr.HHH-
Dr. HHH,
you wrote this 2 years ago.
by H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D., Apr 12, 2008 03:56PM
First response, after reading the opening lines, before I look at most of your question: March 2 was 6 weeks ago. Presumably you have been tested for HIV. If so, and if your test was negative 4 or more weeks after the exposure, then you don't have HIV. It doesn't much matter what else you say about symptoms, the nature of your exposure, etc. Test results ALWAYS outweigh symptoms.
Now I have gone on to read the rest of your question. Guess what? It is not possible to have HIV and have both negative antibody and PCR tests at 28 days. You were not infected. Your symptoms don't sound like ARS, but even if they were classical, it would not matter; as noted above, test results always tell the truth, but symptoms often do not.
My question is at 28 days is it true that a neg antibody and PCR means no HIV? Even with classic symptoms?
you wrote this 2 years ago.
by H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D., Apr 12, 2008 03:56PM
First response, after reading the opening lines, before I look at most of your question: March 2 was 6 weeks ago. Presumably you have been tested for HIV. If so, and if your test was negative 4 or more weeks after the exposure, then you don't have HIV. It doesn't much matter what else you say about symptoms, the nature of your exposure, etc. Test results ALWAYS outweigh symptoms.
Now I have gone on to read the rest of your question. Guess what? It is not possible to have HIV and have both negative antibody and PCR tests at 28 days. You were not infected. Your symptoms don't sound like ARS, but even if they were classical, it would not matter; as noted above, test results always tell the truth, but symptoms often do not.
My question is at 28 days is it true that a neg antibody and PCR means no HIV? Even with classic symptoms?
just saw thanks. I never thought after working towards 2 masters degrees I woudl find myself worried about HIV.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
You do not have HIV. End of post. EWH
i do apologize just confused thats all the 28 day pcr and neg antibody elisa is that definitive as you stated abobe or do I need to test more
i did a pcr and elisa antibody at 28 days and it was negative and just did a 45 day antibody and its neg. Sorry just confused from post above thats all. Am i good because what i read above is the 28 day pcr and elisa is definitive
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
If this is a standard antibody test and not a DUO test, it would have detected over 95% but not all infections. As I said above a negative antibody test at 8 weeks ((56 days) provides definitive evidence that you did not get infected. A 45 day test is highly suggestive but not definitive.
This thread is now over. EWH
This thread is now over. EWH
ok one final question. I just go ody donet a 45 day antibody done and its neg do I need to test any more
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Believe your tests, not symptoms which are non-specific.
As I said in my original answer to you " the combination of a negative antibody test and a negative PCR at 28 days following a potential exposure is definitive evidence that you do not have HIV. "
This ends this thread. EWH
As I said in my original answer to you " the combination of a negative antibody test and a negative PCR at 28 days following a potential exposure is definitive evidence that you do not have HIV. "
This ends this thread. EWH
one last ? Do I need to have another test or am I good to go?
Why does that matter if I have burning?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
The DUO tests are widely used in many countries but cost more than the tests which look for antibodies only. It is only the people who have very recently acquired HIV who benefit from testing with these more expensive tests and the majority of people being tested do not fall into that category. EWH
Dr H. Thanks a million. Why don't they use theses tests verse waiting 90 days?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome back to the Forum. as you know, Dr. Handsfield and I share the forum. You got me as is appropriate given our interchange earlier this month and my resulting familiarity with your situation. FYI, the reason we share the forum is because we have worked together for nearly 30 years and while our verbiage styles vary, we have never disagreed on management strategies or advice to clients.
As for your question, the answer is that, in the absence of taking anti-HIV medications, the combination of a negative antibody test and a negative PCR at 28 days following a potential exposure is definitive evidence that you do not have HIV. Parenthetically I would add that you could get the same level of assurance from a negative DUO (combination p24 antigen/HIV antibody) test more inexpensively. When there is a discrepancy between symptoms and tests, the tests are ALWAYS correct. The symptoms of HIV that you had mentioned in earlier posts are non-specific. In contract the test results are highly standardized and perform with great precision. You do not have HIV. EWH
As for your question, the answer is that, in the absence of taking anti-HIV medications, the combination of a negative antibody test and a negative PCR at 28 days following a potential exposure is definitive evidence that you do not have HIV. Parenthetically I would add that you could get the same level of assurance from a negative DUO (combination p24 antigen/HIV antibody) test more inexpensively. When there is a discrepancy between symptoms and tests, the tests are ALWAYS correct. The symptoms of HIV that you had mentioned in earlier posts are non-specific. In contract the test results are highly standardized and perform with great precision. You do not have HIV. EWH
That said the latest news was that raid tests are only 85% effective in picking up infections....im worried about these regressions......
Are you sure he said that 4 or more weeks.I have been reading a consistant 6-8 weeks from the hiv expert forum, could there be a paradigm shift?
have you had any tingling/burning in your hands/feet/legs/arms?
You are reading content posted in the HIV - Prevention Forum
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
Can I get HIV from surfaces, like toilet seats?
Can you get HIV from casual contact, like hugging?
Frequency of HIV testing depends on your risk.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may help prevent HIV infection.
