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What To Diagnose HIV?

Posted on Mon, 10 Nov 2014

Question: Is there a certain test for white blood count in regards to hiv? Had exposure 5 weeks ago will blood count show after 4 weeks of possible exposure? Don't want to test for hiv specifically really scared. Only have one swollem lymph node and getting over cold sore throat cough running nose almost gone

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome

I appreciate your concern.

The only test in this regard is a CD$ count , but that is not practical for your situation and may not show any significant finding even after 4 weeks of exposure.
There is a 10 year lag between contracting HIV and developing first symptoms. CD4 cells drop at a rate of 50 to 100 /uL/year.

Please try to stay calm and get Elisa serology (HIV ABs ) done if negative repeat after 3 months, if positive do 2 different immunoassays or/and western blot for confirmation.

Let me know if you have any query

wishing you best of health

Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (11 minutes later)

What is your opinion on one swollen lymph node on one side of my neck only. I seem to have been over cold already but node still there. I did go to doctor a few dad ago and confirmed swollen. He did give me antibiotics for minor slight ear infection on same side as node. Ear did not hurt me, doc said it had redness. I have not had any other symptoms no fever night sweats. I'm just really scared to test, I did take oraquick hiv test 2 days ago and came up negative. About 34 days post exposure. Thank you for your response from you and other docs on this site that have responded to me

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
explained

Detailed Answer:
hi,

You are welcome, always.

Subjective lymphadenopathy especially with a focus of infection is commonly observed by patients and signifies an upper respiratory tract infection, unrelated to HIV as it doesn't manifest this early.

The home test is useless , Please gather the courage and get tested, its important that you do so to rest your mind in piece and to be safe and careful in future.

Thanks.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar