Do I need to test again after 4 months

[tgg903]

I am a female living in India.I was seeing guys for 2 months .I had 2 exposure on June 16  2012 and June 26.2012. Soon after this i got to know that the guys was cheating on me so I ended things between us. I got ELFA Hiv 1 and 2 test done on Oct 12th 2012 (118 days), which came as non reactive. Now after more than 6 months of exposure I have had a swelling under my arm pit. I had an allergy in my right hand finger. My doctor said that the swelling is due to some infection and it will reduce eventually and gave me some antibiotics. The pain in my arm pit has reduced but the swelling hasnt come down. I have been having mild cold and sneezing aswell past couple of months. In the mean while I have come to know that the guys had lied to me about a lot of thing and I dont trust his status. I am really worried about HIV. Do I need to retest or is my result at (118 days ) after exposure conclusive.. Please help me very tensed.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

I would assume that your results are conclusive and see no need for furtehr testing.  EWH

[tgg903]

Thanks for your prompt reply .
I Google this "The Enzyme-Linked Fluourescent Assay (ELFA) is a slightly newer version of the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) test. Both work in a similar way but the ELFA has a window period which is about 5 days shorter than the ELISA test."
So I needn't worry and take my results as conclusive ?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

I am not familiar with that specific test but I suspect it is fine if it was performed in a reputable clinic.  Otherwise, I certainly agree.  EWH

[tgg903]

Thanks a lot doctor. I will visit the doctor again if my swelling doesn't subside in couple of week.I took this test in a very reputed clinic in Bangalore, India. So wanted to confirm if  the test in India are up to the International std and will they give conclusive results, I am unsure about the ELFA HIV testing .

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to our Forum.  there is no need for further testing for HIV.  the lymph node swelling in your arm is more likely due to the problems in your finger than anything else.  There are many other illnesses which can cause lymph node swelling.  Swollen lymph nodes are a non-specific response to any number of stimuli including infections due to bacteria and viruses, allergic reactions and autoimmune disease.  Of all persons with swollen lymph nodes only a tiny proportion of them have HIV.

I hope this comment is helpful.  Again, there is no need for further HIV testing related to any sexual encounters which occurred more than 8 weeks ago, you are fine.  EWH