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Pos Elisa, Neg WB
Hi Dr.,
I posted about this on the forum but am receiving info that my boyfriend's test result doesn't have anything to do with mine. So I'm confused. Here's the story: I'm a heterosexual female who has been in a relationship for 10+ years with a heterosexual male. We've always tested negative for everything. I last tested negative for HIV in August 2012. My boyfriend tested negative in January 2013. During my last annual gyn checkup on 8/15, I received a positive elisa and a negative western blot. My boyfriend and I use condoms; however, on 5/22 we didn't use one and on 6/28 the condom broke. He says he hasn't cheated and I haven't either. We don't do drugs or anything like that. He told me there's nothing to worry about because he hasn't been with anyone else and trusts that I haven't either. But he went and got tested again a few days ago to reassure me. His Elisa was negative. My questions: Since his Elisa is negative and I only have sex with him and haven't engaged in any of the other risks, how would it be possible for me to have it? My WB was 12 weeks after the 5/22 no condom sex and just under 7 weeks after the 6/28 broken condom incident. Is that enough time for the WB to detect anything? What is the window period for the WB? I've read some studies that say the window period is between 4-6 weeks (but can take up to 8 weeks in some cases). Since my last Elisa was positive, does it mean I will always test positive on the Elisa? I'll be going soon for my follow up test but I'm still worried.
I posted about this on the forum but am receiving info that my boyfriend's test result doesn't have anything to do with mine. So I'm confused. Here's the story: I'm a heterosexual female who has been in a relationship for 10+ years with a heterosexual male. We've always tested negative for everything. I last tested negative for HIV in August 2012. My boyfriend tested negative in January 2013. During my last annual gyn checkup on 8/15, I received a positive elisa and a negative western blot. My boyfriend and I use condoms; however, on 5/22 we didn't use one and on 6/28 the condom broke. He says he hasn't cheated and I haven't either. We don't do drugs or anything like that. He told me there's nothing to worry about because he hasn't been with anyone else and trusts that I haven't either. But he went and got tested again a few days ago to reassure me. His Elisa was negative. My questions: Since his Elisa is negative and I only have sex with him and haven't engaged in any of the other risks, how would it be possible for me to have it? My WB was 12 weeks after the 5/22 no condom sex and just under 7 weeks after the 6/28 broken condom incident. Is that enough time for the WB to detect anything? What is the window period for the WB? I've read some studies that say the window period is between 4-6 weeks (but can take up to 8 weeks in some cases). Since my last Elisa was positive, does it mean I will always test positive on the Elisa? I'll be going soon for my follow up test but I'm still worried.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Thanks for the thanks. I'm glad to have helped.
I am unaware of any data about ELISA values in false positive tests. This doesn't change my opinion or advice; the WB is to be believed, and you know that your only possible source of HIV doesn't have it.
I am unaware of any data about ELISA values in false positive tests. This doesn't change my opinion or advice; the WB is to be believed, and you know that your only possible source of HIV doesn't have it.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I am unaware of any data about ELISA values in false positive tests. This doesn't change my opinion or advice.
Thanks so much! You're much more reassuring than my doctor (this was my first visit with this particular doc). One thing I did forget to ask: Does the "value" of the reactive test mean anything? The value was 2.56 and termed "high". I asked the doctor and he said just kind of shrugged it off and said it's not important, but kept mentioning that it's possible the Western Blot is negative because it's too early for it to detect. Knowing this about the 2.56 value, would that change your response in any way?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome to the forum. I reviewed your discussions on the community forum as well as your question here.
You have misinterpreted the community forum advice that the "info that my boyfriend's test result doesn't have anything to do with mine". That meant only that even if your bf had not been tested, you could rely 100% on your own test results (the Western blot). Your bf's negative test proves you were not exposed to HIV and could not have been infected.
"Since his Elisa is negative and I only have sex with him and haven't engaged in any of the other risks, how would it be possible for me to have it?" It is NOT possible for you to have HIV, and your test results show you do not.
"What is the window period for the WB?" 4-8 weeks is about right. Your negative result at 12 weeks is 100% proof you were not infected, despite the false negative ELISA result.
"Since my last Elisa was positive, does it mean I will always test positive on the Elisa?" It is possible your HIV ELISA will remain falsely positive, but not necessarily. Even if it remains positive, you can and should ignore it. You should follow your doctors' advice. However, my own advice is that you do not need any more testing for HIV at any time, unless and until you have another potenitally risky exposure (which does not include sex with your HIV negative boyfriend).
I know it was alarming to have a false positive ELISA. However, you can believe the reasoned, science-based advice you have had, from your own doctors as well as from me and the HIV community forum. For sure you do not have HIV. Do your best to accept that truth and move on without worry.
Best wishes-- HHH, MD
You have misinterpreted the community forum advice that the "info that my boyfriend's test result doesn't have anything to do with mine". That meant only that even if your bf had not been tested, you could rely 100% on your own test results (the Western blot). Your bf's negative test proves you were not exposed to HIV and could not have been infected.
"Since his Elisa is negative and I only have sex with him and haven't engaged in any of the other risks, how would it be possible for me to have it?" It is NOT possible for you to have HIV, and your test results show you do not.
"What is the window period for the WB?" 4-8 weeks is about right. Your negative result at 12 weeks is 100% proof you were not infected, despite the false negative ELISA result.
"Since my last Elisa was positive, does it mean I will always test positive on the Elisa?" It is possible your HIV ELISA will remain falsely positive, but not necessarily. Even if it remains positive, you can and should ignore it. You should follow your doctors' advice. However, my own advice is that you do not need any more testing for HIV at any time, unless and until you have another potenitally risky exposure (which does not include sex with your HIV negative boyfriend).
I know it was alarming to have a false positive ELISA. However, you can believe the reasoned, science-based advice you have had, from your own doctors as well as from me and the HIV community forum. For sure you do not have HIV. Do your best to accept that truth and move on without worry.
Best wishes-- HHH, MD
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