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What Does My Lab Test Report?

Posted on Tue, 2 Feb 2016

Question: Hi doctor, i am going through a difficult phase mentaly. I had a risky exposure to hiv around 6 weeks back. It was a low risk exposure. I got antibody rapid test, whic was negative after 5 weeks. Then i came to know that these rapid test are conclusive only after 3 months. Then people at srl lab suggested me to go for pcr viral load test. Attached is the repoort which i got today. I am nit able to interprate this report. It is showing <72. And also written that lower detection limit for test is 72. Now it is very confusing. I know this is not the right test for screening. Plz tell me what i should interprete from this report. Am i hiv positive or negative based on attached report. I know it is not for screening purpose, but still any important hint this report can provide in this regard.

Answered by Dr. Deepti Verma (52 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Likely negative

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear,
I have gone through your question and understand yorecentoncerns.
The report shows negative result for viral load, that means chances of HIV are not there.This is one of the test for detecting HIV infection.
You can also go for p24 test, which is used to detection of recent HIV infection.
You can get this test done and get back to me with the reports.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Regards
Dr Deepti Verma

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

Follow up: Dr. Deepti Verma (1 hour later)

Thanks doctor, it was a big relief for me to know that it likely to be negative. last few days have been tough for me. your detailed reply helped to ease my anxiety. But madam, i am curious to know
1.) if it is negative then why the report result is showing <72. does it mean that virus is present in my body and its value is lower than <72. or does it mean test was not able to find any virus XXXXXXX is mentioned in the report that lower limit of detection is 72.
2.) will this test shiw the same result (viral load<72)for any normal individual.
3.) i heard that this test is highly accurate, then why i should go fir p24 test also if it is negative. is there any doubt. plz guide me as i am going to get married in next 15 days.
Thanks
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Answered by Dr. Deepti Verma (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Require western blot testing at 3 months

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
No test is 100% confirmatory.
In early period of exposure lasting 2-4 weeks, p24 antigen IS better than western Blot or Elisa based antibody testing.
PCR rna copies detects levels and below cut off values it can not predict presence or absence of exposure.
If there has been 6 weeks then possibility of positive status in absence of detection in Elisa test is less likely.
Ideally get western Blot based antibodies testing at 3 month's to get nearly 100% assurance.
P24 positivity also decreases AFTER 4 weeks.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Regards
Dr Deepti XXXXXXX
OBGYN specialist

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

Follow up: Dr. Deepti Verma (11 minutes later)

Thanks doctor, i will get the western blot done after 3 months. But now plz tell me if i can take some assurance from the result of my pcr viral load test (<72), that western blot will be negative....

Answered by Dr. Deepti Verma (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
High possibilty of negative status

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Possibility of negative status is high and hopefully the test result will come negative. Even then use condom till you get the test done at3 months.
Regards
Dr Deepti XXXXXXX

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

Follow up: Dr. Deepti Verma (10 hours later)

Thanks doctor for prompt reply, instead of western blot, can i get elisa done after 3 months as i heard that it is also very accurate test and less costly. i read that elisa is good for screening purpose and if it is positive then one need to get western blot as a confirmatory test

Answered by Dr. Deepti Verma (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, you can

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear,
You can very well get ELISA after3 months.
It is a good screening method, but gives a result after a delay after infection, as it is antibody test.
You can get back to me for further queries by asking a direct question to me on the health care magic portal.
Regards
Dr Deepti Verma

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