[Question #12113] Note on results

10 months ago

I ordered both RNA&4thgen test via Quest at 42days post exposure. Results came back not-detected and not-reactive respectively. Following note was under the RNA test on my results:

“When 4th generation HIV multi-test screening & diagnostic algorithm is used: If test results include a repeatedly reactive 4thgen screen, followed by negative confirmatory tests for HIV-1&2 antibodies & HIV-1 RNA by PCR, most likely interpretation is a non-specific ("biological false positive") reaction in 4th generation screening assay. There is no current laboratory evidence of HIV infection. Repeat testing on a second specimen is not generally indicated but may be appropriate if there are known risk factors for recent HIV exposure”

Does this mean there was false positive somewhere in my labwork & a confirmatory test was run? or would the results have explicitly shown the positive if there was a false positive? just confused as to relevance of note on my results when the ordered RNA and 4th were negative

Edward W. Hook M.D.

10 months ago

Welcome back to the Forum although I’m not sure sure why you have returned with this repetitive question. As Dr. Handsfield explained, your results are entirely conclusive and did not need repeating. The phrasing you quote is a “ boiler plate” statement meant to reassure persons with falsely positive results. You did not have falsely positive results. Both of the results you mention were conclusively negative.

Please stop testing. Be confident you didn’t get HIV from the virtually no risk encounter you described in your original post. EWH

---

10 months ago

Thanks Dr, reassuring.

A)An initial indeterminate/or initial false result would be clearly documented as such on final report from what I understand from your response,correct?

B)Last question-on Quest dashboard the not-detected RNA result is in a grey box while non-reactive 4thgen is in a green box. Im guessing colors don’t matter?(there was no legend provided)the color difference is what made me suspect if grey meant RNA was run as a confirmatory test for a false positive?

Edward W. Hook M.D.

10 months ago

1. Correct

2. I have no idea what the color coding means. Your results prove that you are not infected. EWH

---

10 months ago

if the condom broke would that change your assessment for retest?

Or is 4th gen and HIV1/2 RNA qualitative negative conclusive at 42 days?

Edward W. Hook M.D.

10 months ago

As you know, we provide up to 3 responses to each client's questions. This is my 3rd response, After the response the thread will be closed without further responses. There should be no need for you to return. If you return with further repetitive, anxiety-driven, "what if" questions you may not receive a response and your posting wee will not be returned.

If the condom broke it would be obvious. When condoms bread, there is no question that they have failed. You would know it.

Results of 4th generation, combination tests are CONCLUSIVE at 42 whether the encounter was protected or not. There is no need for re-testing after 42 days- the results will not change.

You are worrying needlessly. EWH

---