[Question #11336] Can taking NAC supplements interfere 4 gen hiv test result

15 months ago

Hi Dr,

I took 3 4th gen hiv test after 6 weeks., 9 weeks, and last one after 6 months. All lab results were negative. My concern is that I am taking Nac supplements for anxiety while taking these tests? Does Nac interfere these test results. I recently read NAC can help hiv patient that really scare me. Please help me. Sorry for my english

Edward W. Hook M.D.

15 months ago

Welcome to the Forum. Thanks for your questions. I'll be glad to comment.

4th generation, combination HIV antigen/antibody tests are conclusive any time more than 45 days after a potential exposure. Thus, your results at 6 weeks, 9 weeks and at 6 months are all conclusive and prove without a doubt that you do not have HIV. There are no data to suggest than N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) changes the reliability of tests in any way. Believe your test results. There is no medical or scientific reason for further testing. It is time for you to move forward without worry.

EWH

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15 months ago

Thank you for your respond, I feel released

It could be mental reasons of people who taking Hiv test that I read online nac help boot gluathione in hiv patient. My fear it might messthe lab reult like biotin(b7). Have you ever get any questions related to NAC? Please let me know if you have any resources that help me convince myself on this Nac topic.

Thank you, Dr

Edward W. Hook M.D.

15 months ago

The Internet is a misleading place to seek information about your health, including HIV risks. Much of the information there is incorrect. It is incorrect in some cases because it is out of date, in some cases because it is taken out of context, and in some cases because it is misinterpreted. In addition, some of it is simply and completely wrong. I’ll get her in a minute.

There are no appropriate scientific data on the impact of NAC on testing. If there were, we would know it. Please accept your test results and move on. EWH.

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15 months ago

So you said 'nac help hiv patients' is old and misinterpreted?. I am OCD patient. My psychogist let me take 1200mg nac per day to control my thoughts. She found not much related nac impacted on testing. She referred me to ask expert.

I am trying to convince myself it's time to move forward with no worries.

Thank you, Dr

Edward W. Hook M.D.

15 months ago

This will be my final reply.

Please reread what I said. There are no data to suggest that NAC interferes with the accuracy of HIV testing. There are also no data I am aware of that NAC is helpful for persons with HIV, but it is unlikely that it will hurt you.

I realize that OCD is a challenge to manage. Please work with your therapist and do not fear that your HIV test results are incorrect. You do not have HIV.

This completes this thread, which will now be closed EWH.

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15 months ago

Are you 100% sure that IAm free from HIV baes these test result? Just make sure for my OCD. this is my final quedtion. I will my therapist today to discuss what you said. Thank you so much

Edward W. Hook M.D.

15 months ago

Yes, I am confident that the NAC does not impact your HIV test results. Believe your results, you do not have HIV.

Feel free to show this to your therapist. EWH

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