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Does Seroflo Inhaler Affect CMIA Test Results?

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Posted on Tue, 25 Nov 2014
Question: I have exposure 2 times. First one in the month of January 12th and second one on 22nd May. I did first antibody test on 27th April by CMIA method results was negative. During that I was taking seroflo inhaler. Can it affect the test? Was it conclusive. 2nd test was on 29th sept by CMIA Method antibody again negative. Is it conclusive for 2nd incident. The 1st encounter was condom slipped during vaginal sec. 2nd incident was protected sex with deep throat kissing?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (24 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
You are safe; nothing to worry

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thanks for writing to us at healthcaremagic

I am Dr. Kakkar. I have gone through your query and I have understood it.

Second test (Antibody based test) performed in September, which came out to be negative, rules out HIV from all previous exposures (including 1st as well as 2nd exposure). It is reliable since it was well past the window period of HIV detection by antibody based test (which is 3 months) after your last exposure (that was on the 22nd of May).
Regardless, of the type of sexual exposure these were (whether protected or unprotected; oral or vaginal) and the level of risk they would normally pose for HIV transmission, it is rest assured that you are HIV negative.

Inhaler wont affect test results.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (14 minutes later)
Can seroflo affects hiv antibody test? It has steroid content.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (11 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Inhaled steroids act locally

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

No, it won't affect your test results. First of all, steroids in inhaler are supposed to act locally in the respiratory tract.
Secondly, steroids present in Inhalers do not reach to such levels in blood so as to affect blood antibody levels.
This is precisely the reason behind giving steroids as pumps/inhalers rather than as oral steroids.

You have nothing to worry

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (26 minutes later)
Many sites saying 6 months is conclusive not 3 months.
I m presently suffering from throat problem. No serious cough just feeling mucus at back of the throat. Makes me clearing it continuously. I also have low BP since last 3 days. 90/60.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (9 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
You are safe

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Window period for antibody based HIV tests is 3 months when performed in a healthy immune competent individuals. Actually, most who are infected with HIV will develop antibodies within a month and the rest certainly do within 3 months.
However, in certain special circumstances such as underlying immune suppression Or those on immunosuppressive therapy/oral steroids for unrelated illness; such individuals can take a bit longer to develop detectable anti-HIV antibodies.
In these individuals re-testing can be done at 6 months. Otherwise, it is not routine to test at 6 months in all who are negative at 3 months.

Throat symptoms and post nasal drip are not at all suggestive of HIV and same is true for low BP.
You may consult an internal medicine specialist for low BP.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (36 minutes later)
Can you be little be precise about "underlying immune suppression". Which kind of situations are these?
Also I am attaching my last HIV antibody test. Can you verify and let me know are the lab and test authentic?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
You need not worry

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

By underlying immunosuppression, I mean e.g a patient who has been on high does oral steroids for some other condition; a patient on organ transplant who is on immunosuppressive therapy to prevent transplant rejection; a patient of leukemia, lymphoma etc. These patients might take longer to mount an immune response against HIV

Inhaled steroids do not cause immunosuppression because only a small amount enters blood stream, to be of any significance.

I have seen the attachment. Yes, you should consider it conclusive.

Regards
Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Kakkar

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 9612 Questions

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Does Seroflo Inhaler Affect CMIA Test Results?

Brief Answer: You are safe; nothing to worry Detailed Answer: Hello. Thanks for writing to us at healthcaremagic I am Dr. Kakkar. I have gone through your query and I have understood it. Second test (Antibody based test) performed in September, which came out to be negative, rules out HIV from all previous exposures (including 1st as well as 2nd exposure). It is reliable since it was well past the window period of HIV detection by antibody based test (which is 3 months) after your last exposure (that was on the 22nd of May). Regardless, of the type of sexual exposure these were (whether protected or unprotected; oral or vaginal) and the level of risk they would normally pose for HIV transmission, it is rest assured that you are HIV negative. Inhaler wont affect test results. Regards