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P24 possibly positive
Hi,
Last week I had a HIV test because I test every year since I am not in a stable relationship. My last previous test was Aug 2013 and said negative. Since then I have had unprotected sex with a man I was dating for a few months and then another, same situation. I don't know their history in detail, only tht they say they are negative. I also has my ear cartilage pierced in April but piercer uses sterile disposable needles.
This test last week (taken at 8 weeks from my last sexual encounter, 7 weeks from ear piercing) said, "this patient has tested positive on the initial HIV screening assay which detects both antibody and HIV p24 antigen. The western blot is negative, indicating that there is no detectable HIV antibody at this time but p24 antigen may be present. This pattern can be seen in very early HIV infection. If the patient has no risk factors for HIV infection, these results may represent a non-specific cross reaction rather than HIV infection. Please submit blood samples for HIV serology and HIV molecular assay (EDTA) in ine week to complete follow up."
I cannot think of any other risk factors for me. I am also confused about how the lab did not seem completely sure if p24 was present or not.
Of potential note: I have raynauds syndrome that only flares up occasionally in the winter and I did receive a flu shot in October.
Thank you for any serious input. I am definitely not feeling great at this point, but because of reading I've done I feel it could be a cross reaction. I was re-tested yesterday.
Last week I had a HIV test because I test every year since I am not in a stable relationship. My last previous test was Aug 2013 and said negative. Since then I have had unprotected sex with a man I was dating for a few months and then another, same situation. I don't know their history in detail, only tht they say they are negative. I also has my ear cartilage pierced in April but piercer uses sterile disposable needles.
This test last week (taken at 8 weeks from my last sexual encounter, 7 weeks from ear piercing) said, "this patient has tested positive on the initial HIV screening assay which detects both antibody and HIV p24 antigen. The western blot is negative, indicating that there is no detectable HIV antibody at this time but p24 antigen may be present. This pattern can be seen in very early HIV infection. If the patient has no risk factors for HIV infection, these results may represent a non-specific cross reaction rather than HIV infection. Please submit blood samples for HIV serology and HIV molecular assay (EDTA) in ine week to complete follow up."
I cannot think of any other risk factors for me. I am also confused about how the lab did not seem completely sure if p24 was present or not.
Of potential note: I have raynauds syndrome that only flares up occasionally in the winter and I did receive a flu shot in October.
Thank you for any serious input. I am definitely not feeling great at this point, but because of reading I've done I feel it could be a cross reaction. I was re-tested yesterday.
The p24 antigen drops off at about 4 weeks and then the antibody takes over. This is why a DUO test is recoemmended at 28 days not longer. Most people will develope antibodies by 6 weeks. 8 weeks is pretty good indication then 3 months is conclusive.
I will for sure. It is definitely not worth it. Thank you for the reply Vance. Do you know of any good resources where I could read more about this? It is hard to know what information to believe, as there seems to be confusion and conflicting ideas among the professionals. I have read the p24 can be present for up to 8-12 weeks, some people say it can be detectable even after antibodies form. Do you know how long it takes for antibodoes to form? I'm hoping it's less than 7-8 weeks.
P24 is only good up to 4 weeks after an exposure, after that the antibodies show up. So with the WB negative it is unlikely you have HIV. Follow up with a 3 month (from last unprotected sex) antibody test.
And use condoms.
And use condoms.
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