[Question #9635] HIV Question
30 months ago
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Hi doctors,
I have posted on here previously if you need to reference any information. I was concerned from an exposure I had back in October mainly about herpes, but I just want to clarify some information so I can put this all behind me. I had full panel tests done 4 days from exposure, 4, weeks, 6 weeks, 9.5 weeks and 11.5 weeks all full panel std tests the HIV test being read as follows HIV 1/2 Ag/Ab. I have seen you comment on other posts saying that after 6 weeks the test is essentially definitive does the test I listed above fall under the same category? I have received all my full panel tests through urgent care they have drawn my blood and sent it to labs each time. I just want to make sure I have taken the appropriate test and can absolutely rule out HIV. I took a western blot for herpes because that was my main concern at 13.5 weeks post exposure and it was negative so I am hoping that I don’t need any more HIV testing and that the tests I have received thus far can absolutely confirm I am negative for HIV as well. Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
30 months ago
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Welcome back to the Forum. Following the relatively low risk exposure you reported, your tests are now absolutely conclusive. Currently used, 4th generation, combination HIV antigen/antibody tests for HIV (as well as syphilis tests) are absolutely conclusive at any time more than 6 weeks following an exposure. You already know that you did not acquire HSV based on your Western Blot results. It is time to put these concerns behind you without continuing concern. There is no reason for further testing related to the exposure you described. EWH---
30 months ago
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Hi Dr. Hook, thank you for the quick response and thank you again for all you do. So just to clarify the test that I have taken each time is considered a 4th generation test? It didn’t say it anywhere on my results it just said HIV 1/2 Ag/Ab so I just want to be absolutely certain that it falls under the category of tests that are definitive at 6 weeks. I haven’t showed any HIV symptoms necessarily, but I just want to make sure that the test I have received was a 4th gen. I’m sorry if this sounds repetitive. Thanks I look forward to hearing from you.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
30 months ago
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HIV tests which test for HIV antigens (Ag) and for antibodies to HIV (Ab) are 4th generation tests...I urge you to believe your test results and move forward. It is past time for you to stop worrying. EWH---
30 months ago
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Hi Dr. Hook,
Thank you for your patience with me your insight has provided me a great deal of relief this whole situation has been a nightmare for me so I am sorry for my repeated concerns. I just wanted to make sure that the test I took was a 4th generation so I picked up the results from my last test which was blood drawn from my vein 11 weeks and 3 days from exposure and the result reads as follows.
“HIV 1/2 Ag/Ab Combo - non reactive. The ATELLICA HIV Ag/Ab combo (CHIV) assay is an in vitro diagnostic immunoassay for the simultaneous qualitive detection of HIV p24 antigen and antibodies to HIV 1 including group O and type 2 in serum using ATELLICA”
So with that information I am definitely negative and no further testing is needed? I also saw you mentioned something about syphillis testing. This test states .16 non reactive but I don’t think it was an Ag/Ab test it just says “treponima P./Syphilis .16 non reactive” can I definitely consider myself negative for this as well? Just want to make sure I don’t need another test at 16 weeks which had just passed recently. Thank you. Again I apologize for the repetitiveness and this will be my last post. Have a good rest of your day.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
30 months ago
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The terms “4th generation” and “HIV Ag/Ab” (Which stand for HIV antigen/antibody) are interchangeable.
The description of your syphilis test results describe technical aspects of the test.
For both HIV and for Syphilis, you can be 100% confident that you did not require either infection from the exposure you described.
As you know, we provide up to three responses to each client questions. I hope that my shirt says have helped you. This completes this thread, which will be closed shortly. Take care. EWH
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