[Question #11713] Complete Question #10924

12 months ago

Hello Doctor, I am sorry to come back. I did a quick test at home for HIV Combo 1&2, 4th generation, and the line only appeared on the C. I know that the result is negative and the test passed, but I am in Dubai. When I ordered the product online, the test arrived after two hours and I did the test myself. I am afraid of the product, that it is not accurate or that it is fake because there is no medical authority or Dubai government or any quality mark on the test package. What should I do?

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

12 months ago

On one hand, I'm sorry to see you back. On the other, having glanced at your previous two threads, I'm glad you finally had an HIV test. Good move. (I was online when your question came in. Most users don't get nearly real-time replies!) But I'm sorry to learn that your unrealistic anxieties are continuing, this time leading you to doubt the reassuring test result. I am certain you can rely on the negative result.

We do not examine online images -- and in any case, I have no experience with actual personal performance of the home self tests for HIV. I have deleted the link to that image. But in general the rapid HIV blood tests are highly reliable and accurate, and pretty much foolproof if the testing instructions are carefully followed. And it would be extraordinarily difficult for some sort of bad actor to duplicate a test that was not reliable. My advice is to accept the negative result and move on with no further worry. Or you could follow my original advice and have a standard, lab based HIV test. Having been at no risk for HIV to begin with (looking back at your previous threads) and now having the current negative result, you can be completely sure that a repeat lab based test also would be negative -- and hence no longer any concern about the implications of a positive test in the UAR.

I hope these comments are helpful. Let me know if anything isn't clear.

HHH, MD

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12 months ago

Thank you for taking the time to expose me to 6 months, but I have a question about the rapid test. It does not have any sign indicating authentication or quality assurance. There is nothing but the company’s name and it was purchased online. Can I trust such a product if its result is definitive?

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

12 months ago

I have no way of knowing the details of the regulatory issues in UAR or whether it is normal (or not) to have such an indication on the packaging of home self tests or any other medical product. But I have given you my views on it above. I see no reason to doubt the accuracy of the test. I have also given my advice about what you can do if you remain doubtful.

Your follow-up comment came corrupted, maybe with an attempt to send an image of some sore. Our IT manager corrected it, but that explains my delayed reply. As above, we do not examine clinical images or other photos. Thanks.---
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11 months ago

Hello Doctor, should I go ahead and trust the rapid analysis that I did 6 months after the aforementioned incident?

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

11 months ago

My initial reply above included this: "I am certain you can rely on the negative result." I haven't changed my mind!

That completes the two follow-up exchanges included with each question and so ends this thread. Do note the forum policy against repeated questions on the same topic. This being your third about this exposure and your concerns about HIV testing, it will have to be your last. Excessive questions are deleted without reply and without refund of the posting feel. Thank you for your understanding. I do hope the discussions have been helpful. Best wishes and stay safe.

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