Dr. Basti Bharatesh Devendra
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.
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Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I had a risky exposure with a CSW(Community Sex Worker). It has been there for three years so far. I had done 13 tests, including antigen-antibody, and the ELISA (Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay) tests all came negative. Recently I had done tonsillectomy. They have checked for HIV; that also came negative. Recently I have done ELISA; it shows 0.23 negative. Is the test conclusive, or Should I have to go for an RT-PCR (Reverse Transcriptase - Polymerase Chain Reaction) test for confirmation? I cannot focus on my life; please give me proper knowledge about HIV conclusive tests.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
The HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) antibodies tests are negative repeatedly and after three months exposure. They are conclusive. You are free from HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) provided there is no further risk exposure. There is no need for further HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) tests. Just forget the episode.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for the reply.
It is a relief, so are you saying I do not need a further test like RT-PCR? Because on the internet, I have read that antibodies and ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) cannot detect viruses in some rare cases even after three months, so I have to go with RT-PCR for confirmation. Is it correct or wrong? Please explain it.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Thank you for the query.
There is no need for HIV-RNA PCR (human immunideficiency virus-ribonucleic acid polymerase chain reaction) test. It is usually not used for diagnosis.They are usually used to monitor viral load. HIV antibodies test after three months of exposure is conclusive. So go for HIV (human immunideficiency virus) antibodies test which gives total conclusive results.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for the reply,
But I have one more question after two years of risky exposure and I had tinea barbae and beard dandruff. On the internet, I read it is related to HIV. It is worrying me, so I decided to ask you.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) antibodies test report attached (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity) is negative. As per the description, it is negative after at least three months post-exposure. There is no need for further HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) tests. It is conclusive, provided there is no further risk exposure. Tinea can occur in any person. The test for HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is negative. So just forget the episode and lead a normal life. Get involved in activities of your interest.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for the reply.
It has been a great relief and so I should not be worried about it. Is beard dandruff also normal?
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
As I said earlier, you need not worry about HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) once the tests are negative. Consult your doctor or dermatologist for beard lesions if it does not subside and for further examination and management.
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Dermatology
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