Is the reliability of the Comb Aids high?

Question

Hello doctor,

I had a risky exposure (genital rubbing without full penetration) for 5-10 seconds and oral sex with a high-risk person. I did third-generation fingerprick blood test 10 times after five months at two weeks interval. After 182 days, I went to ICTC (Integrated Counseling and Testing Center) and did Comb Aids test and the result was negative. Is Comb Aids comparable to ELISA (Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay)? How good is Comb Aids test? Are rapid kits in India reliable after five months?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I completely understand your concerns.

The answers to your queries are that genital rubbing and oral sex carry a low risk of acquisition of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and other STIs (sexually transmitted infections).

Comb Aids is a highly sensitive and specific test. It is a rapid antibody test and is recommended to screen for HIV infection. Results are comparable to ELISA (Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay). Yes, rapid tests are reliable, provided the test has been done in an accredited lab. The recommendation is to test for HIV antibodies at three months after the last unprotected exposure, and if the result is negative, there is no need to repeat the test if there is no further exposure.

A rapid test performed five months after the last exposure gives a reliable report if it has been performed in an accredited lab. Also, I want to emphasize that there is no need to repeat the test multiple times if there is no further exposure. Please also get tested for other STIs like syphilis, gonorrhea, hepatitis B and C infection, and herpes simplex 1 and 2, if not done after unprotected exposure. You can share the test reports for further interpretation.

I hope this helps.

Kindly revert if there is any query.

Thank you.