[Question #13988] Follow up from 13893

1 months ago

Hello, I was told not to follow up in the event of negative results but I have a new question regarding my lab results

Indeed, the treponema ab screen EIA was negative as well as the HIV 1/2 Ab/p24 Ag. My doctor told me if this test was positive, it would automatically reflex to an RPR titer. Thankfully, it was negative.

However, he said Another lab was ordered (which I saw on the lab slip) called the treponema pallium AB (FTA-ABS) IgG IFA.

He assured me that he’s never seen an FTA be positive if the initial AB EIA was negative, and gave me cheerful reassurance.

Is this a different, more accurate test? Do you expect these results to also be negative based off my risk factors in question 13893? Apparently, these tests are done at my local hospital lab and instead get sent to ARUP laboratories.

1 months ago

I meant to say the FTA test is NOT done at my local hospital like the others, and instead get sent to ARUP Laboratories

Edward W. Hook M.D.

1 months ago

Welcome back to the Forum although I'm sorry you felt the need. I can only presume that this is a reflection of your hypochondriasis. There was no need for your doctor to order a FTA-ABS IgG IFA, this test typically agrees with the results of other treponemal tests such as the EIA test you had. It is no more accurate than the EIA and if anything is less so since the interpretation involves a subjective interpretation of immunofluorescence. As Dr. Handsfield told you, you were not at risk to start with. Please don't worry and please don't get any more unnecessary tests. EWH ---

1 months ago

Hi Dr. Hook

If I had the option, I would’ve declined this test. To be honest, I wish it wasn’t ordered but I didn’t see my lab slip until once at the lab. I didn’t wanna call my doctors office and come off as overstepping since I really am not too familiar with these exams.

Quick follow up regarding the HIV test. Would you consider this test a 4th generation? I googled it, and the internet states so. I’m assuming any test that measures the p24 antigen will be 4th generation? Anyways, I haven’t been in any risky encounter for a least 3 months (conservative opinion, most likely longer).

Also, thanks for the kind reassurance that I shouldn’t worry. Would you assume that this test will fall in line with the other negative trepenoma cia ab result?

Thanks Dr. Hook, truly, you do great work here.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

1 months ago

Thanks I’m pleased to see that you understand that the additional testing was not necessary.

Regarding your HIV test, the internet has once again provided misleading information. Any test that tests for both HIV antibodies and for HIV p24 antigen. Your test did that. You were tested with a 4th generation test and it has conclusively proven that you do not have HIV.

As I said above, I anticipate that the results of your FTA-ABS will be negative, like your EIA.

EWH

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1 months ago

Thanks Dr. Hook, bless you, FTA result indeed negative.

I do have a few non related follow ups with my last comment.

My last unprotected intercourse was roughly 2 years before my wife with a few women, perhaps 2 women, 4 total encounters.

If I had contracted asymptomatic (because I felt fine) chlamydia or gonorrhea, what are the odds that I contracted it, and is it possible that I cleared it on my own without treatment over that 2 year span. I also took a few rounds of doxy and augmentin for acne and sinusitis, is augmentin effective against chlamydia?

Lastly, with those unprotected encounters 2 years ago, would it still make my hiv, hep c and treponema negative results from last week conclusive and final with no need to worry?

Thanks.

1 months ago

I also never heard of the body clearing chlamydia and gonorrhea on its own before entering this forum, and was wondering if you can educate me on that. I find it pretty fascinating if anything.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

1 months ago

Sigh, you are worrying entirely too much. As a generalization, if you had acquired asymptomatic gonorrhea or chlamydia several years ago, it is likely that these infections would have resolved without treatment by this time. This statement is based on observation of patients who have positive tests and then return for treatment at a later date.

Please accept your recent test results as conclusive and move on.

This thread is now complete and will be closed without further responses. EWH.

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