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
Hello doctor,
I tested with a third generation test which was a self-test using a finger prick. It was called a sure-check HIV self-test. I could not interpret the result, as I saw the control line, but as for the test line, it was not there. I only saw the shade of it, or maybe an actual red color line would have appeared. I interpreted this as positive and got scared. So I went to a GUM clinic. The doctor there decided to test again but said it was probably negative, they decided to test me themselves and they used an instant self-test on me which was negative. They took a venous blood sample from me, and sent it to a laboratory for a fourth generation blood test which also turned out to be negative. Now does that make my negative result conclusive, despite the first positive result that I got? Is a fourth generation test extremely accurate, and is it negative despite the first positive result on the third generation test? Keep in mind that I am not in a window period and I tested six months after the last exposure. Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com
I read your query and understand your concern.
The HIV fourth generation antibodies test negative result after six months last exposure is conclusive provided there is no further risk exposure. There is no need for further HIV tests.
I hope this helps.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
But what about the first reactive result? The first test was positive but the fourth generation was negative.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com
Thank you for the follow-up query.
False positive results are a possibility with home-based rapid tests. It may be due to an error in the kit, error in reading or wrong interpretation or late reading of the result. It is always better to go for an HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) antibody test in a reliable laboratory. Both the instant tests in clinic and lab-based tests are negative. So there is no need to worry. These are done by qualified personnel. So relax. These are done after six months of last exposure. These are conclusive provided there is no further risk exposure. There is no need for further HIV tests.
I hope this helps.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I did another clinic-based fourth generation test a few months back. And it also turned negative. The test was done by a clinician. She took a blood sample and applied it to a strip. And also turned out negative. So that means it is completely negative right?
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com
If the HIV antibodies test done in a reliable laboratory after 90 days last exposure is negative, then it is conclusive. So the HIV antibody test is negative repeatedly after 90 days of exposure. So it is conclusive. There is no need for further HIV tests unless there is further risk exposure. Relax. Forget the episode.
I hope this helps.
Thank you.
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Dermatology
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