Dr. Goswami Parth Rajendragiri
Pathology
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,
I am 38 years old. I got exposed seven months back and checked after 94 days for the Immunochromatic method, and the result is non-reactive for HIV 1 and 2. Later after six months and 25 days, when I went to COVID-19 treatment, they check again for HIV. In the reports, it was non-reactive using the CIMA method. And given the reports along with a round-shaped kit for HIV test. My doubt is what is that round-shaped kit in which one side was HIV-1, and on another side, it was HIV 2. I searched for the CIMA method on the internet, whether a round-shaped HIV kit was used in the CIMA method. Are the hospital staff hiding something from me? Is it hazardous for any nurse or doctor if reports are wrong?
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
Following is my opinion on your asked question. Your HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) testing was done with a rapid immunochromatographic test and not with CMIA (chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay). The rapid test is also conclusive in ruling out HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). You had done testing after six months of exposure. Any test can rule out HIV after three months of exposure. So now no need to repeat testing for HIV. A round-shaped HIV test kit is used in rapid testing mainly in, which one window is of control, and the other is for HIV. HIV 1 and 2 are subtypes of HIV. So the testing kit, including both the HIV antigen, is incorporated to rule out HIV 1 and 2. So it is good that your testing kit rules out both HIV 1 and 2. It does not seem any false reporting. So now, do not worry and forgot about it. I hope I have answered your asked question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Best regards.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for your reply. Is the CMIA testing method consists of round shaped HIV kit? Can you explain it because I have seen it on the internet as a tridot HIV kit, but in reports, they say the CIMA method; which one is true? I am getting confused.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
CMIA is a chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay test which does not include tridot like card test. CMIA is done in a specialized instrument in which OD (optical density) value is also calculated. Tridot HIV test is a rapid immunoassay enzyme card test. So tridot is one of the rapid card tests. In your attached reports mentioned test is of rapid ICT test, which is a rapid card test. Now, after six months of exposure, you do not need to worry about HIV. The rapid card is also useful in rule out HIV. So finally, CMIA is not a card test, and tridot is a rapid card test. Both are equally effective in ruling out HIV after three months of exposure. I hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Best regards.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor for the reply,
I previously asked some questions, and now I will provide the information. After a 94-day exposure period, I underwent a rapid test known as the ICT test. The test result came back as non-reactive. My concern is whether this test is a 3rd generation or 4th generation test. Additionally, I noticed the terms "antigen" and "antibody" in the comment section below the report. Does the ICT rapid test actually contain both antigen and antibody components, or are these terms simply mentioned? Lastly, I am unsure if the ICT test has effectively checked for both my antigen and antibody levels. Can I trust the accuracy of this ICT rapid test?
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern, and here is my response to your questions: In the attached report (attachments removed to protect patient's identity), your HIV test came back negative, and the testing method used was the ICT (Immunochromatographic) test. In most laboratories, the ICT rapid card test is of the third generation and primarily detects HIV antibodies. Some laboratories also offer the ICT card test that can detect both antigen and antibody. Based on the comment section in your attached report, it appears that this specific card test is capable of detecting both antigen and antibody. However, at this point, after a 94-day exposure period, the distinction of whether it detects antigen becomes less significant. This is because the third-generation kit, which solely detects antibodies, is also considered conclusive in ruling out HIV.
Therefore, now that 94 days have passed since the exposure, you can confidently consider the HIV ICT rapid card test as conclusive for ruling out HIV. There is no further need for testing, as all tests conducted after a three-month exposure window can reliably rule out HIV. If you have not engaged in any further unprotected intercourse within these 94 days, you can consider yourself free from the risk of HIV.
Thank you.
Regards.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor for the reply,
Here is my lab report.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
In the attached report (attachments removed to protect patient’s identity), the HIV test result is non-reactive, indicating a negative status for HIV. Your previous attached report was also negative.
Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Thank you.
Was this conversation helpful?
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Pathology
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
