HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

How Early Can HIV Infection Be Diagnosed After A Possible Exposure?

I went to the doctor with flu/cold symptoms on the 19/12/2016 and my doctor decided to test for HIV because I found out that my partner was cheating on me. The rapid test came out negative however my doctor advised me to take a lab blood test(after giving me a flu shot) the results of the ELISA was indeterminate and the second one was not positive/ negative.My doctor decided to take more samples on 22/12/2016 and send to a different lab to confirm the results. The Elisa came back positive but the western bolt came back negative on the 26/12/2016. The doctor then decided to do a RNA and CD4 count test. The results came back on the 29/12/2016: CD4 cell % was 34.8, CD4 cell count was 1022, HIV -1 RNA copies were 221808 however the Elisa was indeterminate. The doctor took more samples on the 30/12/2016 and sent it to a different lab (3rd lab) the Elisa result was low reactive Inconclusive and the HIV Roche P24 Antigen was Non reactive. After which the doctor decided send I was HIV postive and should go on ARV s which I agreed too. Which I started towards the end of January. After talking to a friend they advise me to take a test after 3 months. I took a rapid test at home in April and I saw a very faint line if put the test towards the light and look carefully after about 24 hours so I decided to go to a private clinic in May 2017 and the rapid test came out negative. I still continued to take the ARV s. Now in September 2017 I took another home HIV test and the results are look faintly positive after about 25 minutes. I m wondering if I should take more lab test to confirm the results or go to clinic to do a rapid test? Also I broke up with my partner 26/12/2016 after the initial positive scare and have not been in a sexual relationship since. Please can you advise because the hotline I called says that by now my results should be clear if HIV. I don t know if the ARV s are affecting my rapid test results. The doctor also did more test on 08/07/2017 the RNA was not detected, the cd4 count was 821 and the cd4% was 53.20
Fri, 3 Aug 2018
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello welcome to 'Ask A Doctor' service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advise.

HIV can be rule out conclusively with Elisa testing after three months. So after three to six month you can investigate with Elisa again. Don't rely on rapid test. If you want to rule out HIV conclusively than western blot test technique is advisable which is more specific and accurate test. If you have already investigated with western blot test than it can be considered valid.

Hope I have answered your question
Let me know if I can assist you further.
I find this answer helpful

1 Doctor agrees with this answer

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 
Loading Online Doctors....
How Early Can HIV Infection Be Diagnosed After A Possible Exposure?

Hello welcome to Ask A Doctor service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advise. HIV can be rule out conclusively with Elisa testing after three months. So after three to six month you can investigate with Elisa again. Don t rely on rapid test. If you want to rule out HIV conclusively than western blot test technique is advisable which is more specific and accurate test. If you have already investigated with western blot test than it can be considered valid. Hope I have answered your question Let me know if I can assist you further.