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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Finger Prick HIV Test Reliable?

I went to get tested for HIV in February after about two weeks of when I became intimate with a new partner . I was tested three times with a finger prick and two tests had faint lines however the third one was negative . My tested didn t feel the need to send my blood however I am still very scared. In April I decided to take an oraquick test but it was also negative. I feel like my anxiety is also causing my body to feel weird but I need help please
Thu, 7 Jul 2016
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Dentist,  's  Response
Hello,

I can understand your concern. The finger prick and oraquick tests are for faster results, but not reliable for confirmation of negative status of HIV infection.

If you want to confirm your status as negative or positive for HIV infection, you should go for ELISA blood test which detects the antibodies the body must have developed against the virus in case of positive infection. The tests can come positive as early as a week to 10 days to as late ad 86 days after possible exposure to the virus.

Thus, in your case, you should go for an ELISA test. If it comes negative now, repeat it after about 3 months of possible exposure date. If that comes negative too, you can be 97% confident that you do not have HIV infection, which is considered quite high sensitivity of the test.

I hope this information helps you. Thank you for choosing HCM. Take care.

Best,
Dr. Viraj Shah
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Is Finger Prick HIV Test Reliable?

Hello, I can understand your concern. The finger prick and oraquick tests are for faster results, but not reliable for confirmation of negative status of HIV infection. If you want to confirm your status as negative or positive for HIV infection, you should go for ELISA blood test which detects the antibodies the body must have developed against the virus in case of positive infection. The tests can come positive as early as a week to 10 days to as late ad 86 days after possible exposure to the virus. Thus, in your case, you should go for an ELISA test. If it comes negative now, repeat it after about 3 months of possible exposure date. If that comes negative too, you can be 97% confident that you do not have HIV infection, which is considered quite high sensitivity of the test. I hope this information helps you. Thank you for choosing HCM. Take care. Best, Dr. Viraj Shah