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Suggest Tests To Confirm The Presence Of HIV
Question: Dear Doctor....
Which test is better to confirm the presence of HIV or whether I have been infected with the virus? Western Blot or HIV-RNA?
THank you
Which test is better to confirm the presence of HIV or whether I have been infected with the virus? Western Blot or HIV-RNA?
THank you
Brief Answer:
Western blot is confirmatory test after 3 months exposure.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for query. I am Dr Bharatesh D Basti answering your query.
Welcome to health care magic.
HIV RNA PCR detects HIV as early as 10 days.It is sensitive at early days itself.It detects even in later stages too.
Western blot detects antibodies and is a very specific test.It is considered as confirmatory test after 3 months.Antibodies can take up to 3 months to be formed. It is confirmatory test after 3 months exposure.
So the choice of test depend on the duration of exposure. If the exposure is recent within 2-4 weeks, PCR test will be ideal. But if exposure is more than 3 months, then we can go for antibody tests including ELISA and Westernblot.
You can get back for any clarification.
Thank you
Dr Bharatesh D Basti
Dermatologist and venereolgist
Western blot is confirmatory test after 3 months exposure.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for query. I am Dr Bharatesh D Basti answering your query.
Welcome to health care magic.
HIV RNA PCR detects HIV as early as 10 days.It is sensitive at early days itself.It detects even in later stages too.
Western blot detects antibodies and is a very specific test.It is considered as confirmatory test after 3 months.Antibodies can take up to 3 months to be formed. It is confirmatory test after 3 months exposure.
So the choice of test depend on the duration of exposure. If the exposure is recent within 2-4 weeks, PCR test will be ideal. But if exposure is more than 3 months, then we can go for antibody tests including ELISA and Westernblot.
You can get back for any clarification.
Thank you
Dr Bharatesh D Basti
Dermatologist and venereolgist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Dear Doctor...
Thank you for your kind answer.
Does it mean that the HIV-RNA test is not able to detect the presence of the virus after 3 months exposure??
Thank you for your kind answer.
Does it mean that the HIV-RNA test is not able to detect the presence of the virus after 3 months exposure??
Brief Answer:
HIV RNA PCR detects virus anytime after 10 days exposure.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for follow up query.
HIV RNA PCR can detect virus as early as 10 days.It can detect virus anytime after this period.It does not mean that it does not detect after 3 months.They are also 99% sensitive and are also almost conclusive test.Many PCR tests do not detect HIV 2 ,so many times it is not considered conclusive.But HIV 2 is very rare.
Antibodies tests are considered conclusive after 3months.They detect Antibodies against both HIV 1&2.
You can get back for any clarification.
Thank you
Dr Bharatesh D Basti
HIV RNA PCR detects virus anytime after 10 days exposure.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for follow up query.
HIV RNA PCR can detect virus as early as 10 days.It can detect virus anytime after this period.It does not mean that it does not detect after 3 months.They are also 99% sensitive and are also almost conclusive test.Many PCR tests do not detect HIV 2 ,so many times it is not considered conclusive.But HIV 2 is very rare.
Antibodies tests are considered conclusive after 3months.They detect Antibodies against both HIV 1&2.
You can get back for any clarification.
Thank you
Dr Bharatesh D Basti
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Dear Doctor...
Here is my current situation:
I had my last HIV test on 26 August 2014, and result is Non-Reactive. In between August 2014 and April 2015, i had couples protected vaginal intercourse. My last exposure is on 30th April 2015.
1. I took the 1st test on 4th of May 2015. The lab called me to withdraw another blood sample on 5th of May 2015. And the result based on CMIA, Immunochromatography and ELFA/ELSA is Reactive. Prior to blood sample taking, i went to the gym in the morning and took a packet of GNC supplements such as thermogenic, fat burner, and supplements to reduce excess water and drank whey protein. Does it make an effect on the result on the test??
2. I took the second test on 11th May 2015 on different lab. I stopped eating those supplements since 6th May 2015. And, when they run Twice my blood sample using 4 types rapid test kits (Vikia 1&2, Hexagon, One Test 1&2, and Oncoprobe), 3 results in Non-Reactive and 1 result is Indeterminate. My question is, if my 1st test result says "Reactive", does the rapid test should says "Reactive" as well, since both test are testing the antibody?? What could probably caused the different result?
3. I went online and read more about HIV-RNA test and found this website in Singapore (www.drtanandpartners.com). From the website says that HIV-RNA test is good to take between 10-12 days post exposure, and the result of HIV-RNA is claimed to be 100% accurate. Is it correct??
4. Assume my 1st lab test are Reactive (true positive), does the HIV-RNA viraload test will able to detect the presence of the virus even after 3 months?
5. My confusion is only that within a week period, the result are contradicting.
6. Can i say that the viraload test is Conclude?? Which result i should trust, so i can really move ON. Some doctors in healtcaremagic said I should Moved ON and trust the viral load test. It is just that the 1st test really haunted me badly.
I am in so much stress right now, especially after got my 1st HIV screening that i took on 4th May 2015. I feel very dehydrate and even lose weight. Before took the test, my body health is considered on the top health.
Since you are a Dermatologist, i have questions about my scrotum. Sometimes it feels warm, and couple weeks ago it has rash and itchy. Now the itchiness is gone, but my skin is kind of reddish color. I exercised a lot and sweat a lot, is it the cause? Any medication or antibiotics i should take??
I need you professional advice Doctor. Thank you in advance and i am sorry for the long e-mail, hope it does not confuse you.
Here is my current situation:
I had my last HIV test on 26 August 2014, and result is Non-Reactive. In between August 2014 and April 2015, i had couples protected vaginal intercourse. My last exposure is on 30th April 2015.
1. I took the 1st test on 4th of May 2015. The lab called me to withdraw another blood sample on 5th of May 2015. And the result based on CMIA, Immunochromatography and ELFA/ELSA is Reactive. Prior to blood sample taking, i went to the gym in the morning and took a packet of GNC supplements such as thermogenic, fat burner, and supplements to reduce excess water and drank whey protein. Does it make an effect on the result on the test??
2. I took the second test on 11th May 2015 on different lab. I stopped eating those supplements since 6th May 2015. And, when they run Twice my blood sample using 4 types rapid test kits (Vikia 1&2, Hexagon, One Test 1&2, and Oncoprobe), 3 results in Non-Reactive and 1 result is Indeterminate. My question is, if my 1st test result says "Reactive", does the rapid test should says "Reactive" as well, since both test are testing the antibody?? What could probably caused the different result?
3. I went online and read more about HIV-RNA test and found this website in Singapore (www.drtanandpartners.com). From the website says that HIV-RNA test is good to take between 10-12 days post exposure, and the result of HIV-RNA is claimed to be 100% accurate. Is it correct??
4. Assume my 1st lab test are Reactive (true positive), does the HIV-RNA viraload test will able to detect the presence of the virus even after 3 months?
5. My confusion is only that within a week period, the result are contradicting.
6. Can i say that the viraload test is Conclude?? Which result i should trust, so i can really move ON. Some doctors in healtcaremagic said I should Moved ON and trust the viral load test. It is just that the 1st test really haunted me badly.
I am in so much stress right now, especially after got my 1st HIV screening that i took on 4th May 2015. I feel very dehydrate and even lose weight. Before took the test, my body health is considered on the top health.
Since you are a Dermatologist, i have questions about my scrotum. Sometimes it feels warm, and couple weeks ago it has rash and itchy. Now the itchiness is gone, but my skin is kind of reddish color. I exercised a lot and sweat a lot, is it the cause? Any medication or antibiotics i should take??
I need you professional advice Doctor. Thank you in advance and i am sorry for the long e-mail, hope it does not confuse you.
Brief Answer:
Unlikely due to HIV.Go for western blot.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for follow up query.
I have gone through the detailed description.
Antibodies tests can have false positive results.
The Antibodies tests and HIV RNA tests are negative after repeating the tests.The chances of HIV may be remote.
HIV RNA PCR can be negative if any antiretroviral drugs are taken .But it is unlikely with given history .So you can allay fears of HIV.
To allay fears you go for western blot test now.It will act as a confirmatory test.It will be conclusive.
Do not worry of other possibilities.
Scrotum lesions may be due to fungal infection or dermatitis.
Please wear loose cotton inner wears.
avoid friction or irritation .
Do not rub or sit for long hours.
Avoid harsh soaps .
clean area with warm water twice daily.
you can use cleanser like cetaphil.
If needed antihistamine like cetrizine can be taken for itching.
If does not subside get examined by a doctor.
You can get back for any clarification.
Thank you
Dr Bharatesh D Basti
Unlikely due to HIV.Go for western blot.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for follow up query.
I have gone through the detailed description.
Antibodies tests can have false positive results.
The Antibodies tests and HIV RNA tests are negative after repeating the tests.The chances of HIV may be remote.
HIV RNA PCR can be negative if any antiretroviral drugs are taken .But it is unlikely with given history .So you can allay fears of HIV.
To allay fears you go for western blot test now.It will act as a confirmatory test.It will be conclusive.
Do not worry of other possibilities.
Scrotum lesions may be due to fungal infection or dermatitis.
Please wear loose cotton inner wears.
avoid friction or irritation .
Do not rub or sit for long hours.
Avoid harsh soaps .
clean area with warm water twice daily.
you can use cleanser like cetaphil.
If needed antihistamine like cetrizine can be taken for itching.
If does not subside get examined by a doctor.
You can get back for any clarification.
Thank you
Dr Bharatesh D Basti
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Dear Doctor...
Thank you for your advice.
Do you think i might be infected with something else that is not HIV?
Thank you for your advice.
Do you think i might be infected with something else that is not HIV?
Brief Answer:
Unlikely to be due to HIV.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for query.
It is unlikely to be due to HIV.
The symptoms may be due to stress or anxiety or vigorous exercises .
You can consult a physician for thorough examination and management.
You can get back for any clarification.
Thank you
Dr Bharatesh D Basti
Unlikely to be due to HIV.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for query.
It is unlikely to be due to HIV.
The symptoms may be due to stress or anxiety or vigorous exercises .
You can consult a physician for thorough examination and management.
You can get back for any clarification.
Thank you
Dr Bharatesh D Basti
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Dear Doctor....
I do exercise 3-4 times a week to the gym, spend cardio about 30 mins everytime i exercise and weightlifting. As an additional, i do 5km run once a week.
Why too much exercise has an effect on the HIV screening test result?? Any advice??
Thank you doctor
I do exercise 3-4 times a week to the gym, spend cardio about 30 mins everytime i exercise and weightlifting. As an additional, i do 5km run once a week.
Why too much exercise has an effect on the HIV screening test result?? Any advice??
Thank you doctor
Brief Answer:
Exercise will not affect test results.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for follow up query.
Exercise may reduce weight .It does not affect HIV test results.Allay fears.
Get western blot test done now
You can get back for any clarification.
Thank you
Dr Bharatesh D Basti
Exercise will not affect test results.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for follow up query.
Exercise may reduce weight .It does not affect HIV test results.Allay fears.
Get western blot test done now
You can get back for any clarification.
Thank you
Dr Bharatesh D Basti
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Dear Doctor....
I have a question about Western Blot. Does it specifically test for HIV only? Or, does it test for any other virus as well??
Some doctors said that RNA (antigen) test is better than Western Blot (antibody) test? Is it true??
Based on your assesment on my current situation, do you think i am infected with HIV virus?
My 1st antibody test haunts me badly, even though i have another antibody test result and the antigen RNA result.
I have a question about Western Blot. Does it specifically test for HIV only? Or, does it test for any other virus as well??
Some doctors said that RNA (antigen) test is better than Western Blot (antibody) test? Is it true??
Based on your assesment on my current situation, do you think i am infected with HIV virus?
My 1st antibody test haunts me badly, even though i have another antibody test result and the antigen RNA result.
Brief Answer:
Western blot is better in given scenario.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for follow up query.
Western blot test is considered conclusive after 3 months.It can detect Antibodies against many types of HIV antigens.
It is considered confirmatory when in doubt.This test is done to detect Antibodies against HIV only.
I would prefer western blot in your scenario.
The chances of HIV is less with given description and test results.
You can get back for any clarification.
Thank you
Dr Bharatesh D Basti
Western blot is better in given scenario.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for follow up query.
Western blot test is considered conclusive after 3 months.It can detect Antibodies against many types of HIV antigens.
It is considered confirmatory when in doubt.This test is done to detect Antibodies against HIV only.
I would prefer western blot in your scenario.
The chances of HIV is less with given description and test results.
You can get back for any clarification.
Thank you
Dr Bharatesh D Basti
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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