Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

11 weeks post exposure to HIV indeterminate p24 WB

Hi Dr

I am 35 male of other wise excellent health.

I have recently tested p-24 indeterminate on an HIV-1 antibody WB (this is all the detail my report provides, it is from Quest Diagnostics any experience with what this means exactly?).  My report does not say anything about an initial screning EIA test or anything like that.  I assume it was done and positive.  If so I am not sure why it was not written on the report.

I had the test done at least 11 weeks post possible exposure (it may have been 12 weeks but I am positive it is at least 11 weeks.)

My risks are as follows:

I have protected sex with three different women over the course of 5 - 6 weeks between Dec. 10, 2010 and Jan 15, 2011.  Each woman and I had sex at least six times while we were together for one day hook ups.  I used condoms each and every time there was vaginal intercourse.  There was no anal sex.  I did receive oral and provided short oral to each woman.  One woman was a "squirter" in case that matters.  I do not mean to be vulgar I just dont know how else to describe it.

My questions are as follows:

1) At 11 weeks post possible exposure what are the odds that I have not completed seroconversion?  I ask this because if I was post seroconversion wouldn't I test positive in a WB antibody screen with multiple HIV antibody bands?  

2) At 11 weeks is it safe to assume that if I only have a p24 indeterminate WB that I am likely ok?   Is there any data on this?

I am sure I have more questions but I am sort of paniced right now.  I have never tested anything but negative for HIV before.

Scared

Detroit
25 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
The answer isn't going to change the answer is NO.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Sorry, I was saying if you did have an exposure would thta be possible?  Again sorry
I was not clear.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
No that is not what it means.. You never had an exposure.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
So, does this mean you could test neg antibody past the window period and test pos viral load? and be hiv pos.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Even though the outcome was certain, congrats on your negative.

Just for future reference, the only testing recommended for people with your sexual lifestyle is annual STD/HIV screening, which you can get at no/low cost at your county health department.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you all for your help!!

Just got all my labs back and I am negative!!

This site is invaluable and you all are wonderful.  
Thank you again!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
WRONG. Viral Load test are not used to diagnose they are monitoring tests for people that ARE HIV POSITIVE.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I realize that I,m just making the point that a viral load test can also be used to diagnose hiv infection.Its just not used to measure hiv+ peoples viral loads.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
The OP is HIV negative and therefore doesn't need a viral load test or any other testing. He never needed testing in the first place because he never had a risk and is now subjecting himself to multiple unnecessary tests. Read the earlier replies on this thread.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
"Viral load tests can also be used to diagnose hiv infection"-'The body'-'wikipedia ''Medhelp'
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
MOVE ON.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
WHY was he given a western blot then?And why will he be receiving a viral load test on monday.Answer that question?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
MOVE ON. YOU DO NOT KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT HIV OR TESTING. Had you bothered to take the time and read his first post he didn't have a risk and no one is given a western blot without first testing positive let alone a viral load test.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
That,s total BS,anyone can have a viral load test done if there previous WB was indeterminate,or if hiv infection is suspected.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
You didn't have a risk and a viral load test is a monitoring test for people that are known to be infected to monitor their HIV progression. The above poster doesn't have any background in HIV.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Its your right to get a viral load done if you are concerned about your western blot.Your decision,your life.All the best.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
well we know how Teak feels.  Does any one else have advice or words of encouragement?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Who would give your those tests for a non risk issue? You don't need to repost.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi Teak

Thanks for the vote of confidence in my hopefully negative result.  I will post on Monday or Tuesday after I get my CD4, PCR and viral load results.  I am HOPING that you are correct.

Detroit  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Your risk was not low, it was NO RISK. Move along.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks to both of you for the comments.

Although I agree with the idea that condoms are 100% effective it is hard to convince myself that I am 100% fine.  

I believe that I should be long past detectable seroconversion and I believe that I should be lighting up a western blot at this point.  However, the fact that my Western blot came back indeterminate scares me greatly.  

A follow up question is would Quest Diag. run the ELISA and not write it on the report?  If so why would they leave that part out?

Also why is the only western blot band mentioned p24?  Why would they not list all the expected HIV bands and indicated that they were not observed?

Thanks again for all your help.  I am waiting for my CD4, PCR and one other test to come back on Monday.  Right now I am completely freaked out.  

Thanks again

Detroit
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
For someone who had a real exposure and caught HIV, the WB would have multiple bands present at 11 weeks. Indeterminate p24 is actually pretty common when someone who doesn't have HIV gets an indeterminate WB. Your situation illustrates the dangers of testing for HIV when one doesn't have a risk for it.
Helpful - 0
480448 tn?1426948538
I agree..if all of your insertive sex was condom protected, then you did not place yourself at risk for HIV.  Certainly either a false + ELISA and/or indeterminate WB is scary, but it is actually not all that uncommon.

No risk=NO HIV, therefore you are conclusively negative.  

To answer your questions....

1.) If you had had a risk and were seroconverting, you would have an unmistakenly positive test by now.  You don't.  

2.)  Your results indicate a common false POS ELISA.  If you were truly POS, there would be many bands on the WB.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Academically speaking I agree with you.  However, I am shaken to my core about this.  An indeterminate WB is scary!  

Do you know anything about my 2 specific questions?

And thanks for the reply!  This is really a great place to find people with tons of amazing information!

Detroit
Helpful - 0
2
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the HIV Prevention Community

Top HIV Answerers
366749 tn?1544695265
Karachi, Pakistan
370181 tn?1595629445
Arlington, WA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
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.