[Question #5810] HIV another question

73 months ago

i few weeks ago Dr handsfield so kindly Answered my questions, but some things have been going on and here it goes: 16 weeks after a risk exposure with a sex worker, vaginal protected but unprotected oral (vaginal and penil) i had and hiv1/2 negative result, the lab said that Is a 4th generation but was not reflected in the results (only the antibody part not the p24) they told me it was performed in a Cobas e 801 la roche, i had a RT PRC 61 days after exposure undetectable (range 40 copies to 10000000 cepheid) the same day an antibody test that Was negative, you told me that all Is well and of course i believe yo but i had a annual checked with a Dr here in DR and i told her everything, she told me about the six month window period and only 97% of people Are detected within 3 months, i dont know if thinks the lab made a 2nd or a 1st generation hiv test, she believed for my exposure that I should be ok but recommended a Western blot only to be sure. I am still waiting for the results but i am little worried because it can come out indetermined o Positive even if i dont have the infection, i was wondering why she asked that test?if It is only to confirm Positive results of an antibody test, What should i expect?

Edward W. Hook M.D.

73 months ago

Welcome back to our Forum and thanks for your questions. It is clear that you continue to worry about the exposure you describe which was, as Dr. Handsfield described, safe sex without a risk for acquisition of HIV. I read your earlier interaction with Dr. Handsfield and agree with all that he said. I also agree that the combination of test results that you reported absolutely prove that you were not infected. Unfortunately, the doctor you spoke with is out of date in terms of her knowledge of HIV and HIV testing strategies. For your information:

1. 1rst and 2nd generation HIV tests are no longer sold and are no longer used by licensed laboratories.

2. The results of a 3rd generation, antibody tests are absolutely conclusive any time more than 8 weeks after an exposures.

3. The results of 4th generation, combination HIV antigen/antibody tests are absolutely conclusive at any time more than 6 weeks (42 days) after an exposure.

4. Use of a Western blot for HIV diagnosis is now out of date. If an antibody test and a PCR test are both negative, you can be confident that you did not acquire HIV.

5. The statement that the window for HIV antibody production is 6 months and that at that time only 97% of infected persons have positive tests is absolutely wrong.

6. There was no reason for your doctor to order a Western blot. I anticipate that the result will show, once again that you do not have HIV.

Please don't worry. EWH

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73 months ago

I know, iknow and thank you for you replies, I guess I still feel guilty because of my Encounter and the Dr that I saw took away my calm, general question if I may, the 6 month window period was because some people with inmunodeficiency or With hepatitis c treat could delayed the seroconversion I know this doesn't happen with 4th generation or 3rd but it happened with 2nd? The lab that I used has a certification from the college of American pathologist so I guess they used at least 3rd generation (I know they told me it was a 4th generation but why they dont reflected it On the results? But I guess I will have to ask them) Dr handsfield said that 2nd generation were conclusive after 12 weeks I guess that You agree with him, another thing may I leave my final question to report the result of the Western blot?

Edward W. Hook M.D.

73 months ago

Second generation tests have not been sold or marketed for over 10 years. No certified laboratory is going to be using 2nd generation tests at this time because the tests would have gone out of date long ago (all tests have expiration dates after which they are not permitted to be used). Hepatitis C does not effect the accuracy of tests for HIV.

I am confident that your results are accurate and am confident that your Western Blot will confirm what we already know, that you do not have HIV. EWH

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73 months ago

Good afternoon Dr hook

As you told me my Western blot came back all negative! What a ride! 3 different tests taken in differents times but all negatives! Thank you very much to you and Dr Handsfield for your replies, I shall be at peace now.

73 months ago

And another thing, they made me a penis swab for HPV and came back Positive for a low grade, dont have the result with me and I dont remember the type but I dont have genital warts but some warts have been showing up in my neck (very small and they do not bother me) for What I have read un this forum HPV y very common and it should Go Away in a few years right? Should I expect Moré warts during thath time?

Edward W. Hook M.D.

73 months ago

Glad to hear that your HIV tests were, as expected, negative. There is no need for further testing.

As for HPV, having read our comments to others, you know that we would have recommended against getting this test. Since you got it and it is positive, there in nothing to do at this time., I would not worry about it and would not anticipate the appearance of new genital warts.

As you know, we provide up to three responses to each client's questions. This is my 3rd response. Therefore this thread will be closed shortly without further replies. Take care and please don't worry. EWH

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