Dr. Rakesh Kumar Bahunuthula
Dermatology
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
Answered by
Medically reviewed by
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Is it possible I can be an elite controller of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)? I was exposed to HIV a year ago. I tested using a self-test kit six months later, and it only showed one line, but at the place of the second line, only a small dot appeared. I got scared and went for another test in a laboratory. The fourth-generation test came back negative, and they also did a rapid test, which was negative. Three months later, I did a fourth-generation test, which was negative, then again after three months, I did fourth-generation tests and RNA PCR (ribonucleic acid polymerase chain reaction) tests, which all came back negative. However, I am still worried about the small dot in the first test. Could this be a positive or a negative result? I am afraid that I am an elite controller of HIV, so my body fought the virus and eliminated the antibodies. The viral load is undetectable, and that is why I keep testing negative.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I have read the query, and I can understand your concern.
Rapid card test results follow the all-or-none principle. You require a complete line to be considered positive. Anything other than that is negative. Also, you have gone through multiple other tests with significant gap intervals between them, and all have come negative. HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) fourth-generation tests and RNA PCR (ribonucleic acid polymerase chain reaction) are highly accurate methods compared to rapid tests. It is rare for someone to develop protective antibodies and eliminate HIV as the virus keeps changing its antigens, and the antibodies produced are insufficient. In all sense, you are negative and have not got the virus.
I hope this will help you.
Thank you.
Was this conversation helpful?
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Dermatology
Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy
