Ask the Doc

About Ask the Doc

Contributing Physicians

Recent Postings

Prevention & Transmission

Primary Infection

HIV Diagnosis & Testing

Science of HIV/Progression

Living with HIV

Treatments: Antivirals

Treatments: Others

Legal & Policy Issues

Specific Populations

HIV Diagnosis & Testing

Have a question?

I am making sure I'm NEG because I was raped on May 4 last year. All my tests are negative.: Posted: April 17, 2007; Response: Mark Katz, M.D.
I am 8 weeks pregnant and had normal blood work done 2 weeks ago. I had to go the doctor today and they told me that I tested positive for HIV on the Elisa Test, but my Western Blot is negative. No antibodies were present.: Posted: April 11, 2007; Response: Ross Lotten, M.D.
My son received a letter from the American Red Cross stating that his blood donation was rejected because the ELISA test for HIV came back positive. Additional test results using the WB and Multiplex NAT were "Indeterminate" and "Negative", respectively. Please tell me what these blood test results mean.: Posted: March 29, 2007; Response: Donna Sweet, M.D.
What is the "no kidding" recommendation for being able to put some confidence behind an HIV Antibody test?: Posted: March 7, 2007; Response: Ross Slotten, M.D.
If during the window time [period] I had an RNA test for HIV come back negative, is it certain I do not have HIV?: Posted: March 6, 2007; Response: Mark Katz, M.D.
I would like to know how many days [after an exposure] can I get a PCR HIV test?: Posted: February 28, 2007; Response: Mark Katz, M.D.
I also had a negative PCR by DNA test at 28 days. I was told I am negative. However, would an autoimmune disorder have an effect on a DNA test?: Posted: February 14, 2007; Response: Trevor Hawkins, M.D.
Hello, I know that a false positive result of the RPR test for Syphilis can show that you have HIV. I would like to know if is it possible to detect HIV during the window time with the RPR test showing false positive?: Posted: January 19, 2007; Response: Daniel Lee, M.D.
You've posted on the newer generation ELISA tests that are able to detect within 6 weeks generally. I was wondering if this applies to the rapid test (pinprick) that's being offered now as well? Is that a version of the newer generation ELISA test?: Posted: January 12, 2007; Response: Mark Katz, M.D.
If an HIV test is positve and then negative, what does this mean? What are HIV antibodies?: Posted: January 2, 2007; Response: Donna Sweet, M.D.
I am a bit worried tonight as my girlfriend is seemingly diagnosed with AIDS according to her doctor in Hong Kong.: Posted: December 27, 2006; Response: Daniel Lee, M.D.
I recently had my 5 year old granddaughter tested for HIV because I received a letter from her mother, who is in jail, that she tested positive for HIV. I wanted to make sure granddaughter is o.k., she appears to be perfectly healthy.: Posted: December 15, 2006; Response: John Barrow, M.D.
Does having Chronic HBV affect your HIV antibody testing?: Posted: October 9, 2006; Response: John Barrow, M.D.
I read on your site that it may take "more months" to show HIV antibodies if someone was already HCV positive. Can you please clarify this. If a person already has hepatitis C and they may have been exposed to HIV recently, is a 3 month window period still the time to wait?: Posted: July 5, 2006; Response: Douglas Dieterich, M.D.
My boyfriend tested NEG for HIV after it had been approx. 17 months since he last had sex with his ex-girlfriend. I found something on WedMD that states that CORTICOSTEROIDS can interfere with the accuracy for HIV antibody tests... could it have masked antibodies if they were present, causing the test to be wrong?: Posted: July 3, 2006; Response: Donna Sweet, M.D.
My question is on behalf of a Chinese medical doctor friend practicing in Africa who has been treating AIDS with Traditional Chinese Medicines. His work indicates that some of his patients who tested HIV positive with viral load counts, etc., are now HIV negative. These patients repeatedly now test negative. His question is: Is there any test that would indicate that the patient did in the past have the HIV virus?: Posted: June 12, 2006; Response: Peter Shalit, M.D.
Was wondering if the doc was aware of the Uni Gold Recombigen HIV Rapid Test by Trinity Biotech. How does this test compare to the Orasure Advanced Rapid Test other than from 20-40 minutes wait time down to 10? Also, I've heard/read that this test is more sensitive, thus reducing the 'window period' from 3 months down to 4 weeks.: Posted: June 12, 2006; Response: Martin Markowitz, M.D.
On my HIV test, I had either an equivocal ELISA or a positive (I'm not sure which), so they did a Western Blot. On my WB, I showed positive for band p31, but no other bands. How concerned should I be with only one positive band? What might make that particular band positive and nothing else?: Posted: May 12, 2006; Response: Martin Markowitz, M.D.
I recently had an EIA Screen come back positive for HIV 1&2. Follow up test for Western blot showed negative HIV but positive for lyme screen. Could I be in the middle of seroconversion?: Posted: May 12, 2006; Response: Mark Katz, M.D.
I have a friend who tested negative for HIV in May-June 2005(not quite sure of the exact date). He had a HIV test done today April 2006 and the result is indeterminate and he was told to come back in two weeks. What are his chances of having a negative result?: Posted: May 1, 2006; Response: Mark Katz, M.D.
I have tested positive for HIV but my girlfriend whom I have had unprotected sex with for four years (prior to coming to the US) tested negative. I want to know if there are any known testing errors associated with Africans testing in the US. Do testing protocols differ for different regions of the world? I tested through the Home Access system.: Posted: April 21, 2006; Response: Peter Shalit, M.D.
Is HIV testing "accurate," "definitive," and "conclusive," after three months, if there has been no type of exposure in the preceding three months? Is the three month to six month window period for those with ongoing risk behavior?: Posted: April 17, 2006; Response: Mark Katz, M.D.
I've read somewhere that PCR is accurate even after 24-72 hours from the exposure. How valid is that statement? If I get tested 5 days after exposure, how valid are these results?: Posted: April 17, 2006; Response: Mark Katz, M.D.
I have heard that HCV can interfere with the window period to test for HIV antibodies....is this true? If so, how long should one wait before testing for HIV? Will a PCR test be more accurate in a situation of suspected co-infection?: Posted: November 19, 2005; Response: Douglas Dieterich, M.D.
Something which lets me doubt my [HIV test] result is I was on rabies vaccine, would that lead to false negative?: Posted: November 19, 2005; Response: Mark Katz, M.D.
I am in a relationship with someone who has the AIDS virus...we are both female. I would like to know the chances I have of contracting it from her and would like to know what the best ways are for me to prevent this from ever happening.: Posted: November 19, 2005; Response: Lisa Capaldini, M.D.
I have tested negative out to 15 months on 3 ELISA tests and 2 NAT's. However, I have had a very difficult time accepting these results. How can I order a CD4 test myself without my doctors consent?: Posted: March 15, 2005; Response: Mark Katz, M.D.
After my girlfriend got pregnant, she was tested and she had ELISA as positive but the Western Blot negative. The doctor said she had to have a viral load test even though the WBLOT was negative. The test came back with a count below 400 which the doctor said was most likely a negative result. Would very much appreciate your thoughts...: Posted: March 15, 2005; Response: Daniel Bowers, M.D.
Is having a testostertone test to see if your libido is low the same as being tested for HIV/AIDS?: Posted: March 14, 2005; Response: Mark Katz, M.D.
Now at 15 months I went to our local blood bank to get another test. (It was not a blood donation just a test sample) All tests came back negative. My questions are as follows...: Posted: March 14, 2005; Response: Mark Katz, M.D.
I have had negative Oralquick and ELISA tests at the 6 week mark. After the ELISA, the doc said she was almost 100% sure that I didn't have HIV because today's tests can tell within 6-8 weeks...: Posted: March 11, 2005; Response: Daniel Lee, M.D.
Doc, I was wondering , if my girlfriend has a PAP test, will the HIV virus show at that time, or does she need to request a differant test?: Posted: February 11, 2005; Response: Mark Katz, M.D.
I found out today that my gay cousin, may be infected with AIDS. His boyfriend has had it for 5 years and never told him anything...: Posted: February 1, 2005; Response: Rodger MacArthur, M.D.
If the ELISA is positive and the Western Blot is negative, can I be sure I'm not HIV positive?: Posted: December 27, 2004; Response: Mark Katz, M.D.
I had unprotected sex 3 weeks ago and last week had an RNA PCR test performed .How accurate is this test in compared with the DNA one?: Posted: December 15, 2004; Response: Mark Katz, M.D.
Will a mixture of breastmilk and glandular secretion (Aerola oil) still able to transmit HIV...Is 175 days waiting period after a sexual exposure enough to go for a HIV test ?...Is it necessary to ask for both tests (HIV 1&2)?: Posted: December 1, 2004; Response: Ross Slotten, M.D.
I have been a blood donor for thirty years without any problems, but when I donated in May 2004 I received a letter from the Blood Center saying I tested positive for HIV antibodies but that the more specific confirmatory test read negative indicating I did not have the HIV virus. Still they put me on a six month deferral list for donating.: Posted: November 19, 2004; Response: Mark Katz, M.D.
I am currently awaiting the results of the ELISA and WB...there are numerous scientists that state that these tests are not as accurate as everyone seems to believe. So far, it states that I have a VL of 92,000 and a CD4+ of 245.: Posted: November 1, 2004; Response: Ross Slotten, M.D., M.D.
Can a torniquete on the arm for more than 1 minute when taking the blood sample for an HIV test give a false negative?: Posted: October 15, 2004; Response: Mark Katz, M.D.
If I take a PCR test which comes out negative then will this, combined with the negative antibody result after 33 days, be a 100% certain result?: Posted: August 25, 2004; Response: Rodger MacArthur, M.D.
I am now 9 weeks pregnant and as part of my prenatal visit I had another test done. The results were Elisa reactive but Western Blot negative. They took another sample from me and told me that I would have to wait over a week.: Posted: August 9, 2004; Response: Lisa Capaldini, M.D.
Could you please tell me if the Home Acces HIV1 test that uses the Organon Teknika Vironostika HIV1 Microelisa System is reliable to detect antibodies for Grp M Strain E (Thailand)?: Posted: July 25, 2004; Response: Martin Markowitz, M.D.
I have been searching the internet for information regarding the window period for standard HIV testing, of course the majority of sites say 3 months...: Posted: June 23, 2004; Response: Mark Katz, M.D.
Is it, in my case (4-6 weeks) really enough time for the ELISA 4th generation test to detect HIV antibodies?: Posted: June 22, 2004; Response: Lisa Capaldini, M.D.
If my pregnant wife decides to get tested for HIV will the fact that she received a Rhogam shot to inhibit antibody production due to the RH- blood affect the HIV Elisa test ?: Posted: June 16, 2004; Response: John Barrow, M.D.
My question is how do I know what generation test I took? I took an Orasure Rapid test with NEG. results. Would that test be a generation 1-2-3-4-?: Posted: June 7, 2004; Response: Martin Markowitz, M.D.
I have been tested using the OraSure oral test. My question is this, the day I went to get tested I had a dry mouth, would the lab know if there was not enough OMT [Oral mucosal transudate] to test to give accurate results?: Posted: May 18, 2004; Response: John Barrow, M.D.
Does antigen P24 appear in [the] case of reinfection or superinfection?: Posted: April 21, 2004; Response: Martin Markowitz, M.D.
I had unprotected oral sex with one who is infected with both HIV and syphilis, and I played both the giving and accepted part in the intercourse on 03/01/04.: Posted: April 16, 2004; Response: John Barrow, M.D.
I have read in many articles that p24 antigen testing gives reactive results during ARS. Is it a special p24 test, or just the one that a 4th generation test includes?: Posted: April 7, 2004; Response: Rodger MacArthur, M.D.
If a person is experiencing recurring OI's and has a weak immune system, by when will the PCR-DNA or PCR-RNA be able to pickup the HIV virus if this is the cause?: Posted: March 30, 2004; Response: John Barrow, M.D.
I have a very unusual case. I would like to know if it is possible to be HIV negative via multiple antibody & viral load testing 15 months after a single risky exposure: Posted: March 19, 2004; Response: John Barrow, M.D.
You proposed to make additional test on 4 or 6 months. I got back my 4 month negative result.: Posted: March 19, 2004; Response: Mark Katz, M.D.
say I have had unprotected sex today, when or how many days after should I test for a clear result?: Posted: March 15, 2004; Response: Lisa Capaldini, M.D.
Is a negative ELISA at 13 weeks and 4 days reliable or should I wait the standard 6 months to be conclusive?: Posted: March 10, 2004; Response: Mark Katz, M.D.
I was just wondering if you could tell me how accurate PCR DNA tests are in finding the HIV virus in people?: Posted: March 1, 2004; Response: Peter Shalit, M.D.
I was told that "indeterminate" could mean that I am seroconverting or that I may have another autoimmune disease. I do plan to get tested again in a few weeks...: Posted: March 1, 2004; Response: John Barrow, M.D.
Please I would like to know if the symptoms in ARS come in paroxysms?: Posted: February 24, 2004; Response: Mark Katz, M.D.
I have recently tested negtative at 39 days (ELISA from quest labs) and negatvie again (Home Access ELISA) at 72 days.: Posted: February 24, 2004; Response: Mark Katz, M.D.
I'm 26 [year old] male. 17 weeks ago I had protected sex with a high risk person.: Posted: February 24, 2004; Response: Mark Katz, M.D.
I have had negative Home Access antibody tests 9,12,16,and 22 weeks after definite exposure to the virus (unprotected insertive vaginal with an HIV + female).: Posted: February 17, 2004; Response: Douglas Dieterich, M.D.
As of today, how long is the window period needed to wait until one can be sure a negative test means one is absolutaley not infected by HIV?: Posted: February 12, 2004; Response: Peter Shalit, M.D.
I had a PCR DNA test done at 13 weeks after this incident and it came back indeterminant. The doctor did another PCR DNA and an Orasure antibody test which both came back negative. Do you suggest further testing?: Posted: February 4, 2004; Response: Martin Markowitz, M.D.
I have asthma and I am on the medication Advair inhaler...If this med affects the immune system can it effect the amount of time it takes my body to produce antibodies from the virus?: Posted: February 2, 2004; Response: John Barrow, M.D.
Exposed October 19. Had eight-week rash, some sporadic cold symptoms. Couple of cold sores. Panic-driven ELISA test seven weeks later...: Posted: January 27, 2004; Response: Donna Sweet, M.D.
This is my testing history, "ALL NEGATIVE"...: Posted: January 26, 2004; Response: John Barrow, M.D.
My ALL NEGATIVE testing history is as below: Posted: January 23, 2004; Response: Lisa Capaldini, M.D.
I have tested negative at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 7 months, and 9 months following an exposure. I should feel confident that I am HIV negative, but I keep questioning the results for the following reasons...: Posted: January 23, 2004; Response: John Barrow, M.D.
The testing facility says that these tests have ruled out infection of HIV. I just wanted to know If they are accurate...: Posted: January 16, 2004; Response: Mark Katz, M.D.
Well, my daughters' Dr. ordered a HIV DNA PCR test for her and I'm curious about this particular test. I've heard the FDA doesn't approve it for diagnostic procedures...: Posted: January 12, 2004; Response: John Barrow, M.D.
So shaken was I by the possibility that she was HIV+ following her original bloodwork, that I phoned an AIDS hotline to discuss the situation. They told me that pregnant women frequently test "false positive" for HIV antibodies and that there would be hope that further testing would be negative.: Posted: January 12, 2004; Response: John Barrow, M.D.
I had protected sex with a prostitute about 25 weeks ago and I tested negative (ELISA) at 12, 19 and 23 weeks after my possible exposure. Is it possible to be false negative by the 23rd. week, should I get tested again?: Posted: January 12, 2004; Response: Daniel Bowers, M.D.
Recently I went to my doctor and had a tube of blood drawn. When I got my report, the lab test said, "non-reactive" but I'd like to know how reliable my tests are.: Posted: January 7, 2004; Response: Daniel Lee, M.D.
So, the question is, has the 1st generation antibody tests been updated also, or are the tests you are referring to the 2nd, 3rd and 4th generations?: Posted: January 6, 2004; Response: Lisa Capaldini, M.D.
I have a question regarding my friend, she's so worried... She just had and new partner and first exposure on October. She really didn't even know the guy but he looks like healthy.: Posted: December 24, 2003; Response: Martin Markowitz, M.D.
If a patient has consecutive false postive HIV tests on two ocassions followed by 2 negative Western Blot tests, is there any need to do further workups regarding antiphosphlipid syndromes, SLE or possible alloimmunization syndromes that may affect future pregnancies?: Posted: December 15, 2003; Response: John Barrow, M.D.
I have taken the following tests after a possible exposure (protected vaginal and unprotected oral with woman of unknown HIV status) to HIV...: Posted: December 1, 2003; Response: Marty Markowitz, M.D.
I was diagnosed HIV positive in late September of 2003 and was told the infection occurred within the last 7 months. What tests can give such results?: Posted: December 1, 2003; Response: John Barrow, M.D.
My son came to us and told us about his sexual orientation and his possible exposure to HIV. He also showed us his test results.: Posted: November 17, 2003; Response: Lisa Capaldini, M.D.
I recently tested negative for HIV 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 24 weeks, and 29 weeks post-exposure. I felt very relieved for a brief period of time until I convinced myself that the vitamin/supplements that I am on could have affected the results of the tests.: Posted: November 17, 2003; Response: John Barrow, M.D.
It is just overwhelming when you have to wait 6 months [for conclusive HIV results].: Posted: November 14, 2003; Response: Lisa Capaldini, M.D.
It is usually said that "Symptoms of HIV infection occur 2-6 weeks after exposure and lasts for about 8 weeks" does this mean that...: Posted: October 30, 2003; Response: John Barrow, M.D.
I had unprotected sex, vaginal intercourse, with a female sex worker in the U.S.A. almost 18 years ago in December, 1985. After that, I had two different Elisa tests done in two different labs....: Posted: October 25, 2003; Response: John Barrow, M.D.
My question is: I had an possible exposure to HIV, and had the following tests run and wanted to know if these tests have ruled out HIV...: Posted: October 20, 2003; Response: Trevor Hawkins, M.D.
I had a routine antibody test done and it was negative. The very next week I was diagnosed with Mono, positive Mono spot. I then had a followup anitbody test done at six weeks after the first test...: Posted: October 14, 2003; Response: Ross Slotten, M.D.
My 14 yr old daughter had an "indeterminate" ELISA, a week later her Western Blott was within normal ranges but one of the tests showed that she had been exposed to CMV. Is there still a chance she is HIV positive and it is just not showing yet?: Posted: October 6, 2003; Response: Trevor Hawkins, M.D.
My main issue now is that I am reading that blood tests lose their validity after a couple of years of the primary exposure and that many people who test negative can really be positive because the antibodies aren't that strong. What is the real truth in that and should I test again?: Posted: October 6, 2003; Response: Marty Markowitz, M.D.
I was wondering if the HPV virus is considered an autoimmune diease and could cause false negative results on my HIV testing?: Posted: October 6, 2003; Response: Lisa Capaldini, M.D.
The only reason why I am worried now is because the day before I got the p24 and rna-pcr test result back, I developed a low grade fever. But 4 days later my antibody test came back negative as well. I have had a low grade fever 99.2 - 99.9 for the past 12 days now. At the same time, I've been having night sweats and diarrhea continuously. I easily bruise now also. My groin is achy and my head is a little achy too. My upper abdominal is achy as well.: Posted: September 29, 2003; Response: Mark Katz, M.D.
To what extent does fat/lipid in the blood affect the ELISA Test result? Is the test result trust-worthy?: Posted: September 24, 2003; Response: John Barrow, M.D.
My question is, can a person know that thier HIV infected before 18 months if they normally go to take a blood exam every 6 [months]and no symptoms?: Posted: September 12, 2003; Response: Mark Katz, M.D.
I did 4 ELISA tests, on the days 21, 40, 59, 82 it came back negative. Please tell me if its enough testing at the day 82?: Posted: August 27, 2003; Response: Lisa Capaldini, M.D.
Could this Lupus possibly interfer with the HIV test and cause and indeterminant results he has been receiving?: Posted: August 27, 2003; Response: Daniel Bowers, M.D.
What if during a blood donation testing a person was reactive to HIV1, then indeterminate on the Western Blot, then neg to the Nucleic acid test? What is your opinion on the meaning of this?: Posted: August 18, 2003; Response: John Barrow, M.D.
I haven't been tested in years for HIV, I was just tested and it came back negative. Would the test show neg if it had already developed into AIDS?: Posted: August 18, 2003; Response: Mark Katz, M.D.
If you consider the day of exposure as Day 1, I got tested on the Day 36. The test was P24 Antigen Antibody Test and stated method of the test was Enzyme Linked Fluorescent Mini Vidas Assay. The test result was 0.04 (Non Reactive).: Posted: August 18, 2003; Response: Marty Markowitz, M.D.
What does it mean to have results come back as "false-positive"?: Posted: July 31, 2003; Response: Daniel Bowers, M.D.
A few days ago I received oral sex from a female. I had fingered her and then she gave me oral sex. Her saliva was mixed with a small amount of vaginal fluid. Could I get HIV from this encounter?: Posted: July 31, 2003; Response: Mark Katz, M.D.
I was recently treated by a family care physician in the Dominican Republic for dehydration/sickness following a day in the sun and having an excessive number of alcoholic drinks in the evening...My concern is that I may have been given some form of potentially tainted blood product.: Posted: July 31, 2003; Response: John Barrow, M.D.
I was diagnosed HIV positive 2 times in the year 2000 (Elisa I and II). Then in 2001 I was diagnosed HIV positive again (Elisa and Western blot). I went through some slimming and health problems, but later got better and tested negative 3 times on PCR.: Posted: July 22, 2003; Response: Marty Markowitz, M.D.
My question is, if a person has symptoms of ARS [Acute Retroviral Syndrome] or intial infection and the PCR comes back with <400, is this an encouraging sign or is it too early to be meaningful?: Posted: July 21, 2003; Response: Daniel Lee, M.D.
I had risky sex (condom broken) with a man from West-Africa(now 4.5 weeks ago)...: Posted: July 18, 2003; Response: Daniel Bowers, M.D.
On December 2001 I had only 3 incident's that I could have gotten HIV (I have never had unprotected sex outside of my marriage.)...: Posted: July 15, 2003; Response: John Barrow, M.D.
I was wondering the home test I took gave off a weak positive. I called them and they told me that it was likely that I wasn't positive especially after nine years, plus I'm overweight and have had a blood disorder. They said it was alright, what do you think?: Posted: July 14, 2003; Response: John Barrow, M.D.
I was exposed heterosexually on 7 February 1998. I have tested consistently negative since February 98 through July 2002 to HIV 1&2. However, I had a positive reverse transcriptase on viral culture but, my viral culture was weakly reactive to reverse transcriptase.: Posted: July 14, 2003; Response: Marty Markowitz, M.D.
I am currently a 30 year old woman who is 13 weeks pregnant. At my last doctors appointment, they performed routine prenatal blood work (HIV, Rubella, CBC, etc)....: Posted: April 29, 2003; Response: Ross Slotten, M.D.
Hi, I am a 23 year old gay white male. In the fall I tested "indeterminate" for HIV. I got nervous. I havent done anything since then, not even gone to a doctor.: Posted: April 14, 2003; Response: Marty Markowitz, M.D.
Can you please reassure me with some statistics that my third HIV test (after 6 months)in 3 weeks will be most likely negative too.: Posted: February 27, 2003; Response: John Barrow, M.D.
When the first test to detect HIV is conducted what does term "non reactive" mean, which is at top of the report?: Posted: February 26, 2003; Response: Marty Markowitz, M.D.
I just want to ask how reliable is a HIV PCR test taken 6 weeks after possible exposure?: Posted: February 18, 2003; Response: Marty Markowitz, M.D.
I was tested 11 weeks after sexual intercourse. My test was negative. I asked my doctor if he thought I should be retested since I did not wait the 12 weeks....: Posted: December 20, 2002; Response: Trevor Hawkins, M.D.
I had what has been described to me as a low risk encounter (deep kissing and handjob), no penetration. Showed some symptoms and panicked....: Posted: December 17, 2002; Response: Marty Markowitz, M.D.
25 weeks after a high risk encounter I tested negative via Home Access at the beginning of the year and since this encounter I have been abstinent. I am now questioning the result as I recently had a yeast infection...: Posted: December 9, 2002; Response: John Barrow, M.D.
Today my gynecologist told me to get an HIV test. He has been treating my genital warts for about 4 or 5 months without total success, they go away for a few weeks or a month - then come back.: Posted: November 11, 2002; Response: Lisa Capaldini, M.D.
I am currently counseling a 12 year old male in foster care. His biological mother died with AIDS. His younger brother has been diagnosed as positive for HIV. My client, per his grandmother, has been tested numerous times and has not been found to be positive to date. Is there a particular time period beyond which he can know he is free of its showing up?: Posted: November 7, 2002; Response: Lisa Capaldini, M.D.
I am a 29 year old female who took the PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test for detection of the HIV virus once after about 5 weeks after my last exposure, and once again about 2 weeks later...The results were negative...I plan on getting the ELISA test after 6 months, but should I feel confident about the results from the PCR test? How confident?: Posted: November 6, 2002; Response: Marty Markowitz, M.D.
I asked a question on Sep. 25, which was answered to my satisfaction by Dr. Barrow. Thank you for your help. A few days later, I tested negative. The test I took was the Orasure test. I plan to take another one later on just to be certain, but I was wondering what you thought of this.: Posted: October 28, 2002; Response: John Barrow, M.D.
Is there a usual time frame for symptoms to occur after a possible exposure? My niece developed possible symptoms after only four days which included fever, sore throat and mouth sores...: Posted: October 21, 2002; Response: Ross Slotten, M.D.
I'm a female who had unprotected sex with a male on April 15th of 2002. I started getting crazy and worried since he wanted no other contact, so I started testing myself using the home access test kit. I tested each month thereafter, my last test being on September 2002. All my test results were negative (thank God ). My question is...do you think that I have tested enough and am I out of this window period, that I hear talk of?: Posted: October 7, 2002; Response: Lisa Capaldini, M.D.
I might have been exposed to HIV 8 yrs ago. I had an HIV test done at 6 yrs and it came back negative. I still worry about it all the time. I have a red spot in my mouth that hasn't gone away.: Posted: September 30, 2002; Response: Daniel Lee, M.D.
For almost 4 months I feel sick. 4 months ago I had sex with a HIV+ person(in a risky way). Sweating, fatigue and muscle pain are my symptoms during almost 4 months. Two weeks ago the result of an HIV test was negative....: Posted: September 9, 2002; Response: Lisa Capaldini, M.D.
Our municipal unit for the care of adults with end-stage AIDS is in its twelfth year. Many of our patients were diagnosed long before coming to us. Suddenly, the coordinator of AIDS services at our acute care center wants a documented list of the patient, the date of the HIV test and the results in order to verify HIV status. If the original results cannot be obtained, the coordinator suggests that we retest....: Posted: September 6, 2002; Response: John Barrow, M.D.
Hi there, I have had a swollen salivary gland on the right side of my mouth for almost three months now. I am waiting for the results from a blood test for HIV as it has been three months since a broken condom incident. I have been tested for all STD's via a blood test and pap smear and it was all negative. So I'm just wondering what may be the cause of a painless swollen gland for so long without it being HIV?: Posted: August 19, 2002; Response: Daniel Bowers, M.D.
I just went to the doctor and got a series of blood tests done, including an HIV test. Two days later, all but the HIV test had come back...: Posted: August 5, 2002; Response: Marty Markowitz, M.D.
I've been HIV positive for about 9 years now, no real illnesses, but I am going through a lot of fatigue lately.: Posted: July 30, 2002; Response: Mark H. Katz, M.D.
The CDC recommends no further testing once a person is tested with a negative result six months after exposure. But, they also documented several cases where window period is more than 6 months....: Posted: July 8, 2002; Response: Rodger MacArthur, M.D.
A few days after I had sex with a HIV+ man I became sick. First like a cold and now very exhausted, nauseated. The doctor in the hospital did a antibody test (3 weeks after the exposure). What is the value of this test? In a few days I 'll get the results. If I am HIV positive, do they immediately start with HAART?: Posted: June 20, 2002; Response: Marty Markowitz, M.D.
I recently took Home Access' home HIV test and tested positive for the virus. 10 months ago I took an in-office test and had tested negative. My question is how accurate and reliable is Home Access?: Posted: May 28, 2002; Response: Lisa Capaldini, M.D.
Hi, a friend of mine has many of the HIV symptoms. Night sweats, nausea, weight loss, loss of cigarette craving, blurred vision, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, joint pain, sores and pain on his lips. He had unprotected sex with a girl about 3 or so months ago, but has no way to contact the girl now...: Posted: May 15, 2002; Response: Daniel Bowers, M.D.
I gave blood 7 weeks ago and was notified that I tested positive for HIV. About 2 years ago, I was diagnosed with Lupus although the tests were borderline. Is there any connection between these two diseases as it pertains to blood tests? Or, could the Lupus be having an effect on the HIV test?: Posted: May 1, 2002; Response: Lisa Capaldini, M.D.

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Gill Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Quest Diagnostics, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980,2008. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.