Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Can Recent Possible HIV Exposure Lead To Increased Levels In Liver Blood Test And Anemia?
Question: Can recent (3 mos) possible HIV exposure lead to increased levels in a liver blood test and anemia?
Brief Answer:
HIV causes hepatitis and anemia of chronic disease
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
HIV and AIDS can affect different systems of the body but this usually occurs in more advanced stage of the disease and not usually after an acute exposure, though persons can react differently to infection.
It can affect the liver by causing viral hepatitis and non alcoholic liver disease.
Both of these conditions can result in increased in liver enzymes when the blood test is done.
In term of anemia- there is a type of anemia called anemia of chronic disease which is seen in persons with long term illness such as HIV infection. This would occur after the illness has been present for a while- at least a few weeks to months.
When a full blood count shows anemia , a doctor can look at the other aspects of the blood count to determine the probable causes and what further tests need to be done.
There are blood tests that can conclusively determine if you are HIV positive. These tests have a window period. This is the time it takes for a test to be able to accurately state whether a condition is present.
The window period for the PCR dna or rna test has a window period of 2 to 3 weeks and the ELISA test has a window period of 3 to 6 months.
If you can do the PCR 2 to 3 weeks after your last exposure , it would determine if you are HIV positive.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any additional questions
HIV causes hepatitis and anemia of chronic disease
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
HIV and AIDS can affect different systems of the body but this usually occurs in more advanced stage of the disease and not usually after an acute exposure, though persons can react differently to infection.
It can affect the liver by causing viral hepatitis and non alcoholic liver disease.
Both of these conditions can result in increased in liver enzymes when the blood test is done.
In term of anemia- there is a type of anemia called anemia of chronic disease which is seen in persons with long term illness such as HIV infection. This would occur after the illness has been present for a while- at least a few weeks to months.
When a full blood count shows anemia , a doctor can look at the other aspects of the blood count to determine the probable causes and what further tests need to be done.
There are blood tests that can conclusively determine if you are HIV positive. These tests have a window period. This is the time it takes for a test to be able to accurately state whether a condition is present.
The window period for the PCR dna or rna test has a window period of 2 to 3 weeks and the ELISA test has a window period of 3 to 6 months.
If you can do the PCR 2 to 3 weeks after your last exposure , it would determine if you are HIV positive.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any additional questions
Note: Get personalized answers to your HIV related queries You can choose to talk face to face with your doctor. Book a Video Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
