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Is A Western Blot HIV Test Conclusive?
Brief Answer:
Another ELISA is not necessary as western blot is more reliable.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to HCM.
Thanks for posting your query.
Western blot detects multiple antibodies against HIV whereas ELISA or other Rapid tests can detect only one of these antibodies. Especially in your case western blot detects 9 antibodies against HIV. So it is more conclusive and further ELISA test is not necessary for your friend. At the same time another positive test with a different test makes the reliability to the extent of 100%. (99% reliability becomes 100% with another positive test).
Dr S.Murugan
Another ELISA is not necessary as western blot is more reliable.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to HCM.
Thanks for posting your query.
Western blot detects multiple antibodies against HIV whereas ELISA or other Rapid tests can detect only one of these antibodies. Especially in your case western blot detects 9 antibodies against HIV. So it is more conclusive and further ELISA test is not necessary for your friend. At the same time another positive test with a different test makes the reliability to the extent of 100%. (99% reliability becomes 100% with another positive test).
Dr S.Murugan
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
hi sir, thank you so much or the quick response.. As i had an exposure exactly six weeks before with her. I would like to get tested now. Can i go or western blot test or any other tests also recommended?
Brief Answer:
P24 Antigen,DNA PCR,Qualitative RNA PCR are reliable by 6 weeks for HIV 1.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
Your girl friend is reactive for HIV 1 infection. No HIV 2 infection. By 6 weeks after the exposure, either Western blot, ELISA or Rapid tests would not have any value as they will become conclusive only after the window period (6-8 weeks after the exposure, may be delayed up to 12 weeks).
Antigen detecting tests like P24 Antigen test or PCR test (DNA or Qualitative RNA PCR) can be taken up. They will be conclusive by 3-4 weeks itself. They will really indicate the exact status of HIV 1 infection at this time for you conclusively.
Dr S.Murugan
P24 Antigen,DNA PCR,Qualitative RNA PCR are reliable by 6 weeks for HIV 1.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
Your girl friend is reactive for HIV 1 infection. No HIV 2 infection. By 6 weeks after the exposure, either Western blot, ELISA or Rapid tests would not have any value as they will become conclusive only after the window period (6-8 weeks after the exposure, may be delayed up to 12 weeks).
Antigen detecting tests like P24 Antigen test or PCR test (DNA or Qualitative RNA PCR) can be taken up. They will be conclusive by 3-4 weeks itself. They will really indicate the exact status of HIV 1 infection at this time for you conclusively.
Dr S.Murugan
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
hi Dr, Thanks or the reply. I am really scared to death now. I had only one time exposure with that girl. During intercourse, I had used condom which lasted for 2 minutes and I stopped it. But i deeply fingered her vagina with my bare fingers, and I have no cuts on my fingers. I also kissed her lips, just the outer part, not a french kiss. Could you please assess my risk. I would be really thankful to you.
Brief Answer:
HIV risk is negligible only.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
You had protected exposure. We used to advise the spouses of HIV positive people to continue with protected exposure as an absolute abstinence is not possible. All of them remained HIV negative as long as their safe sex ensured. So you are safe.
Not only that. At the time of diagnosis of an individual has HIV, it is found nearly 30-40% of their spouses remained HIV negative in spite of their regular unprotected sex for years and they called as 'Discordant couple'.
Fingering and kissing carry a negligible risk for HIV. So you need not worry much. Clear your status through HIV test.
Dr S.Murugan
HIV risk is negligible only.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
You had protected exposure. We used to advise the spouses of HIV positive people to continue with protected exposure as an absolute abstinence is not possible. All of them remained HIV negative as long as their safe sex ensured. So you are safe.
Not only that. At the time of diagnosis of an individual has HIV, it is found nearly 30-40% of their spouses remained HIV negative in spite of their regular unprotected sex for years and they called as 'Discordant couple'.
Fingering and kissing carry a negligible risk for HIV. So you need not worry much. Clear your status through HIV test.
Dr S.Murugan
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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