[Question #7479] Result Query

56 months ago

Hi Doctor, Hope you're doing well, Apologies in advance if I sound a bit stupid below.

So this week I went and got a HIV Combo test done a little over 5 months after my last encounter. The encounter in question was that i went to a person who engages in bondage who penetrated me anally using sex toys and fingering. I should mention that the sex toys were used with condoms and the fingering was gloved.

The Test: The results came back as being non reactive however as this is my first test ever I noticed that the Index value on the report was relatively high but less than the cut off. I have been very anxious and been having sleepless nights, and this is where the stupid comes; thinking that my body is slowly creating the antibodies and that if i do another test it will definitely be positive. I have become increased scared and went to my doctor for a followup who assured me that if my body did indeed have antibodies to HIV the test would have been positive instead of negative. I asked him to do another test however he refused stating that i was in clear,however i just cant get myself to believe it.

Question:

1.Given that the test was done 5 months after the exposure can i take it as conclusive.

2. If i do take another test, can it under any circumstance be positive, i have not seen anyone since my last encounter nor do i do drugs.

3.I did read a recent post on the forum relating to index value where you said that if the same specimen was tested 10 times it would return 10 different values. Could you please say as to why this happens.

I would appreciate your feedback on my case!

Edward W. Hook M.D.

56 months ago

Welcome to our Forum and thanks for your questions. I'll be glad to comment. Before I address your questions, let's get to the bottom line - the encounter you describe was close to, if not entirely, no risk for acquisition of HIV and other STIs. Thus I'm not at all surprised to hear that you result is negative and can assure you that there is no chance that future tests would be positive for HIV. In fact, I see no medical or scientific reason for further testing related to the encounter you have described. Now, on to your questions:

1. Yes, absolutely. No need for further testing related to that exposure.

2. No need for further testing but should you decide to do so, the result will be no different.

3. The index value is a measure of the chemical reactions which occur during the test. Any value in the negative range should be assumed to be accurate. Index values reflect the chemistry of the test and change with variation in the temperature and humidity of the room in which the test is performed, miniscule variation in specimen measurement for the test, the person's state of hydration and much, much more. As a result, variation in index values is the norm.

I hope that this information is helpful. EWH

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56 months ago

Thank you doctor for your response.

You say in point 3, "Any value in the negative range should be assumed to be accurate." I do apologise for this, but I didn't quite understand this part. Accurate in what sense, whether to take the numerical significance or the overall non-reactive result?I would appreciate if you could elaborate a bit more on this.

Another thing doctor, can the variation in index due to external factors while testing as well and other internal body levels cause the value to exceed the cutoff on the absence of antibodies/antigen or will is always remain below the C/O?

Edward W. Hook M.D.

56 months ago

Oh please. You are really over doing this, Negative is negative. Variable index values are meaningless. Believe your results. Negative is negative irrespective of the index values. Negative values will always be below the cutoff.

Accept your results. Move forward and if you can't seek counseling. EWH

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56 months ago

Hello Doctor,

I decided to get another test done today for peace of mind and the result came back as Non-Reactive with a value of 0.43. Heeding to your advice earlier, I am now confident that I am indeed HIV NEGATIVE and that my results are conclusive and will not change from hereon forth without any new exposure.

Moving forward, I have decided to not refer to Dr.Google for advice as having gone through this whole ordeal is traumatic enough. It is best to stick to your doctor and if that doesn't do it,seek counselling.I once again thank you and DR HHH, for the work that you do and the factual answers that you give to alleviate doubts.

God Bless and Stay Safe Doc!

Edward W. Hook M.D.

56 months ago

Thanks for your thanks and I endorse your assessment. It is time to move forward. Staying off the internet will help you to do this.

This thread will now be closed. Stay safe. Happy holidays. EWH

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