[Question #8874] Follow up questions regarding HIV false positive and subsequent tests
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38 months ago
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I'm assuming you have access to my previous post that gives you the context.
Since my previous post I've had a qualitative PCR test done at a private clinic that claims to have a 96% sensitivity. This came back negative. I've also had confirmation that my ultrasounds on my lymph nodes show relatively normal lymph nodes of about 4mm.
I've had a blood test from the GP that included a full blood count, including white blood cells, and a CRP test for signs of infection and inflammation. These both came back in the 'normal' range and my doctor said they show no signs my body is fighting an infection or inflamed.
Does the normal white blood cell count and CRP test provide further proof that I don't have HIV? Would these tests show up as irregular if I'd had HIV for several years?
I have seen reports of HIV tests I hadn't heard of before. Could you tell me what they are and if its something to consider to further rule out HIV:
Line Membrane Chromatography
Immunofilteration
Immunodot
Should I get retested at the place that initially gave me the false reactive using a blood sample taken by from the vein? I've read that HIV tests from different manufacturers give different results. This and reports I've read of people not consistently testing positive for HIV and having to undergo extensive testing to confirm a diagnoses, makes me worried. Maybe I need to get results from as many different test types to be safe as I've only had a negative from the same NHS lab using the same machine.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
38 months ago
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Welcome back to our forum. And your follow-up PCR test is further proof along with your multiple earlier combination HIV antigen/antibody tests that the home test that you had performed was falsely positive. I’m sorry you continue to worry about it. There really is no need for further tests. As I mentioned in our earlier exchanges, unfortunately you had the bad luck to have a falsely positive test. You have now completely and unequivocally ruled out the possibility of HIV. It is time for you to move on. . There is no need for further testing. To do so would be a waste of your time and resources.
I am not familiar with the term. line Membrane Chromatography, perhaps however you are referring to liquid membrane chromatography which, like the other tests you mention, are tests for monitoring immune response. There really is no need for you to seek further testing. You have proved that you do not have HIV through the absence of HIV antibodies, P 24 antigen, and RNA through your various tests.
Your post suggests to me that you have not taken my advice and stayed off the Internet. Internet reports of persons whose HIV test results come and go are incorrect. I urge you to believe your test results. EWH
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38 months ago
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Hello,
Thank you for your response.
Just some follow up questions - would having a normal white cell count and crp test be a good sign that I don't have HIV?
I think im just having a hard time believing that I could receive a positive hiv test and also have so many clear symptoms like having facial dandruff, unexplained numerous swollen lymph nodes and having shingles. According to UK guidelines anyone one of these symptoms should prompt suspicion of HIV and I have all with a "false" positive tests. Is it getting examined by a specialist sexual health doctor?
You say that people always show up on tests yet certain strains of hiv, I.e. group-o or non-clade B, have been missed on some tests. Link to study showing this here https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2738113/
I assume I'm misunderstanding what im reading but it seems that certain strains do have a possibility of false results.
Lastly just to confirm, different test manufacturers all have the same false positive/ false negative rates? I'm aware that more than one company produces theses tests and some studies seem to show a variation in results between makers.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
38 months ago
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Straight to your follow-up questions:
Changes in the white blood cell count and CRP are non-specific tests. You already have very, very strong evidence you do not have HIV. I urge you to believe your test results.
The reason for testing is to dinner for the cause of illnesses that have a broad range of causes. Testing following some of the symptoms you mention is appropriate but when those tests are negative they need to be believed.
Yes, the false positives and false negative rates for tests which have been cleared for use in North America and western Europe are all quite similar and very, very low. Further, for persons to have an initial positive test, the two-step testing process rules out the possibility of false positives. On the other hand, the potential for false negatives is a concern but this concern has been addressed with the study of tens of thousands of persons and almost completely ruled out amongst persons who test following the recommended time frames.
What’s again, I urge you to believe your test results. You’ve been tested with a variety of tests on several occasions which test for the HIV antigen, for HIVRNA, and for antibody responses to HIV infection. All of these tests are negative. Were are you infected, at least one and almost certainly all of these tests would be positive.EWH
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