I'm reaching out because I let the anxiety get the best of me. Last month I took another INSTI HIV test (a year and a couple of months post exposure) and the results came back negative. This morning I was reading around online and happened to come across an article that says the INSTI test may not be accurate with elevated hemoglobin levels. I remembered getting a full blood test this year and came up with WBC at 5.7, Hemoglobin at 7.5, Hematocrit at 50.5 and Glucose at 127. I am now at high anxiety now because my hemoglobin looks to be at an elevated level. Can you reaffirm my suspicions and try to help? I'm almost done with this anxiety of Googling and just need a final push, even if that means going in to do another test that's not the INSTI. Thanks again for everything.

Welcome back to the Forum.  On this occasion, I happened to pick up your question and will be answering.  In preparing to answer your question I did review your earlier interaction with Dr. Handsfield and I agree completely with his assessment and advice.   I have never heard that the INSTI or other tests for HIV have performance problems in persons with high hematocrits.  

I presume that your reported hemoglobin is not 7.5 but `17.5, is this correct? 

If your hemoglobin in 17.5 and hematocrit is 50.5, while on the high side, these are within the normal range, particularly if you are a smoker or live at higher altitudes although even if you do not, these would be considered normal results and not be a reason for concern or to doubt your HIV test results.  

I think GOOGLE is not your friend here.  I would stay off the internet, urge you to believe your test results and suggest you stop testing.  EWH

Yes sorry I meant 17.5 for hemoglobin. I had read on a PDF online regarding sample results for hemoglobin.

I'm also a non smoker and live in Central Texas.

Would you be able to say scientifically why the results are conclusive? I would imagine after a year HIV itself would show up even in a normal high for hemoglobin. I'm also a little worried about the WBC even though it's in normal range it seems a little low. 

Yes, I would urge you to have complete confidence in your test results and see no reason whatsoever for further testing.  

Further, I would not worry in the least about your WBC, these tend to fluctuate. EWH

Yes, blood banks typically do an RNA PCR test for HIV.  This result confirms what I have already told you and what your prior tests show- you did not get HIV and should move forward without concern.

This is my 3rd response to these questions.  Thus, as per Forum guidelines, this thread will be closed later today.  Take care. EWH