[Question #8383] Follow up to 8374
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45 months ago
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I’m following up on results from dr’s visit regarding question 8374.
I had a 4th generation ab/ag test done on 11/8 - 36 days after exposure. Test result was non reactive. Is this conclusive?
Also, my AG ratio bloodwork is elevated at 2.9 - I’m waiting for my doctor to call me tomorrow regarding this as only the medical assistant provided me the results over the phone.
Is this related to anything? Should I be concerned? Obviously will get more answers tomorrow but I would like advice from the experts and really couldn’t wait till tomorrow.
Thank you all!
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
45 months ago
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Welcome back to the Forum although I'm disappointed that you found it necessary. As i suspect you knw, dr. Handsfield and I share the forum and on this occasion I happened to pick up your question. Having reviewed your earlier interaction, I agree with all that Dr. Handsfield said and suspect that much of what I say will merely repeat what he has already said. The encounter you described was virtually no risk for HIV. As Dr. Handsfield said, at 4 weeks, results of 4th generation tests are 98-99% conclusive and in your circumstance, virtually conclusive. Your test at 35 days is slightly closer to entirely conclusive but consensus is that HIV test results are not fully conclusive until 6 weeks (42 or more days) after infection/exposure.
Your elevated A/G ratio is coincidental and is certainly not a sign of HIV or any other STI.
As Dr. Handsfield as already done, I urge you to not worry further about risk for HIV or any other STD occurring from the misstep you have reported. It is time to move forward and stop worrying.
Finally, I happened to arrive on the Forum shortly after your question arrived. As a result you got a response far more quickly than is the norm. Any follow-ups may take longer to get a response. EWH
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45 months ago
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Thank you Dr Hook.
With that being said - should I get another test after 42 day?
Also - what could elevate A/G levels? You’re not concerned at all that this could be related to any STD including Hiv?
After this response I will move forward. Still concerned based off the elevated levels that I have no clue what that means and also the fact that you say conclusive tests aren’t until 42+ days from exposure. This makes me feel like I need to re-test.
Thank you again.
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45 months ago
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Also - let me be clear on the A/G test.
On October 13th when I originally was tested for everything besides hiv (10 days post exposure) my A/G levels were at 2.7. Yesterday 11/8 test (36 days post exposure) they were at 2.9. Is this concerning?
Thank you for helping ease my mind with your advice
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45 months ago
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The MA said 2.7 was higher than normal and it has now gone up to 2.9. Don’t know if that’s bad that it’s climbing. Again I have no idea what that testing means yet.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
45 months ago
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I will reiterate what Dr. Handsfield has already said. If you had asked whether you needed testing at all I would say no. We have never seen someone on this forum who had a negative HIV test at four weeks go on to become positive. You are not going to be the first. Whether or not to test again is a personal decision. I am confident that should you choose to the repeat test will be negative reaffirming what Dr. Handsfield and I have already told you, that you did not require HIV from the exposure you have described.
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Likewise, I have told you that the A/G ratio is a non-specific test which can be modified by large number of different processes. I think you should talk to your own doctor about this. That said, I am completely confident that this minor laboratory abnormality is not related to any STI, including HIV with you acquired from your virtually no risk exposure. EWH
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45 months ago
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Thank you Dr. Hook.
This has definitely eased my mind around HIV. I feel confident I do not have.
However, I would like to know if I should retest for anything given my symptoms? Was hsv-1/2 testing too early? Syphillis too early? My blood was drawn 10 days after exposure. Should I be concerned with those given the headaches/fatigue?
I don’t have any lesions visible. As for my wife - I don’t know. She hasn’t mentioned anything but has been thinking she’s been on her period but isn’t. She said she’s been wiping recently and there has been blood but she thinks maybe due to shaving. Not sure if this is related at all or if I should be concerned.
Thank you again - all of this is EXTREMELY helpful.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
45 months ago
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These will be the final responses. If your symptoms were due to HIV, or Syphilis for that matter, your test would’ve been positive At the time symptoms were present. Once again, I urge you to put your fears and anxiety aside and move forward without concern. I see no reason for further testing.
This will end this thread. Please don’t worry. EWH
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