Recently Answered Questions
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Query: Hello doctor, Please see attached the reports for the viral markers (3H) and VDRL and RPR screening along with this query. These tests were undertaken after eight months and 19 days of exposure or 263 days post-exposure. I wanted to confirm if the test used in the attached report for HIV screening i... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. The HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) test, which is performed, is a fourth-generation test. The fourth-generation test is a combo or a duo test. It looks for both antigens and antibodies of HIV. It is great that your test for HIV, HBV (hepatitis B virus), HCV (hepati... Read Full »
I took the HIV combo test on the 32nd day after exposure. Is it a fourth-generation test?
Query: Hi doctor, I took the HIV-1, HIV-2, and p24 tests on the 32nd day after exposure. I am attaching the file. I want to know whether this is a fourth generation test. If yes, what are the chances that a fourth-generation test is negative on the 32nd day and will turn positive after the 45th day? Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. The answers to your queries are: The test which has been performed is a fourth-generation test. This test looks for HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) antigens and antibodies. The test result (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity) is negative. If this... Read Full »
Is HIV test a fasting or non-fasting test?
Query: Dear doctor,Which is the primary blood test for HIV? Is it fasting or nonfasting? I want to get tested for a routine checkup. Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. The recommended primary test for HIV detection is the fourth generation HIV rapid test. You need not be fasting for this test. If there is a recent exposure and the test result comes negative, a confirmatory test needs to be done at three months of last exposure. Pleas... Read Full »
Can my low WBC be due to an HIV infection or Pfizer vaccine?
Query: Hello doctor, I had a needle stick exposure before 11 months. When I was trying to insert the IV in a patient, I ended up poking myself accidentally on my finger. I did a fourth-generation HIV antibody test five months before, and it turned out negative. Recently, I went for a routine check-up, and... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. 1) If the last exposure was before 11 months and there had been no further exposure, then your test result for HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) will be considered conclusive. 2) Fourth-generation HIV test is highly sensitive and is unlikely to miss infection if... Read Full »
After how many days of exposure should I take an HIV test?
Query: Hi doctor, I have attached my HIV reports taken on the 90th and 188th day after exposure for your reference. Both the reports are negative. There was no further exposure. Should I be concerned? Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have gone through your reports (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity). Your test results will be considered conclusively negative if there is no further exposure. I hope my answer helps in relieving your stress. Please do not hesitate to ask if there ... Read Full »
Is it necessary to take fourth-generation test even if other HIV tests are negative?
Query: Hello doctor,I had protected exposure followed by P24 antigen after 33 days, fourth-generation P24 Ag, HIV 1 and 2 antibodies (CMIA) after 38 days, and then tridot after 93 days. All reports were negative for all the tests. As all the reports are negative and protected exposure, can my HIV status be... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. The answers to your queries are: As you mentioned that it was protected sex, and there was no break or slippage of the condom. The risk of acquisition of HIV in this scenario is non-existent. It is great that your HIV test report at both time points is negative. If the... Read Full »
Are fourth generation HIV test results reliable?
Query: Hello doctor, I had unprotected intercourse once with CSW last year. I tested for rapid ICT and PA methods after six weeks of exposure. HIV (Ag/Ab) CMIA test after eight weeks, both negative. I started getting chronic diarrhea for the past six months. A viral Marker test was done (16 months later)... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Your test results are negative for HIV. If there had been no further exposure, these would be considered conclusive. However, if there is any doubt about the same or test result, there is no harm in getting a repeat HIV antibody test. This will allay your anxiety. Sy... Read Full »
Why do I get itching and burning sensation in hands with muscle pain after risky sexual exposure?
Query: Hello doctor, Before three months, I had unprotected sex with a sex worker in her monthly (menstrual) period. After sex, I noticed bleeding from my cut penis. After one week, pain subsided. And after a month, I had sex, and again noticed bleeding from penis wound. I again had protected sex with se... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. The recommendations are to get the fourth generation HIV rapid test at the third or fourth week of the exposure. If the result is negative, get a confirmatory HIV rapid antibody test at 90 days (three months) of last exposure. Your negative HIV test result at three mont... Read Full »
Is it not necessary to do other tests if fourth generation test negative at 8th week?
Query: Hi doctor, I went for an HIV test at six weeks after low-risk exposure and get false positive. At eight weeks both fourth generation and HIV RNA PCR are negative. At 9 and 10 weeks rapid test is negative. At 12 weeks HIV RNA PCR is negative. Is it conclusive? My doctor told me no need for further t... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome back to icliniq.com. To answer your query, I want to give reference of published research that, Although the reported sensitivity and specificity of fourth generation tests are more than 99% in numerous studies, there are several instances of discordance between screening and confir... Read Full »
Screened for HIV after eight weeks of exposure. Is it reliable?
Query: Hi doctor, I did an HIV rapid screening after eight weeks of exposure, and the results came negative. I do not have any other symptoms of HIV. Is this result reliable? Do I need to do other tests? Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. The tests available for HIV diagnosis are highly sensitive and specific and gives accurate results. Majority of the people who are infected with HIV develop HIV antibodies by two to eight weeks. Approximately, up to 5 % develop seroconversion by 12 weeks. Your HIV negat... Read Full »