Dr. Rakesh Kumar Bahunuthula
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 had a brief unprotected sex about three months ago. I was tested negative on a rapid oral HIV test and a fourth-generation laboratory antibodies test in the past week. I have been under alcohol abuse for about nine months now. It started to cause discomfort about four months ago. I tested negative for Hepatitis A, B, and C as part of my STD (sexually transmitted disease) screen. I have reduced my intake in the past month and felt better, but I worry about its potential effect on my HIV result. Diabetes runs in my family. Prior to my abusing alcohol, I have never experienced symptoms of diabetes, but now my feet sometimes feel numb, get dizzy during the day, and I have developed thrush.
Both of these made me believe that I may be immunocompromised, which as far as I know could lead to a false test result as fourth-generation HIV tests rely on HIV antibodies. Do I have a legitimate reason to question my HIV test results? If so, what should I do to get an accurate result? I have symptoms of throbbing liver, thrush, and two brief episodes of cold. I do not take any medicines other than Zinc and vitamin capsules.
Thank you.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
It is very common for patients to experience a lot of stress post such exposures and extensive search on the internet adds to further confusion and mental agony. HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) has a window period of 12 weeks after exposure, during which the test result can be false negative. However, the fourth-generation HIV test is highly accurate. Unlike what you had mentioned, the fourth-generation HIV test looks for p24 antigen apart from HIV antibodies. This increases the accuracy further as antigen is one of the earliest present molecules. If the timing of your tests is beyond 12 weeks of your last exposure, the result can be taken as conclusive. The fourth generation test is considered highly accurate even by four weeks of exposure. I suggest you check for HBsAg (Hepatitis B surface antigen), VDRL (Venereal disease laboratory test), and Hepatitis C in addition.
I hope this information will help you. Please revert in case of further queries.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for the reply.
Just to clarify, alcohol abuse and potential diabetes would not affect the result of a 4th gen HIV test if taken 12 weeks post-exposure?
Thank you.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Alcohol consumption and elevated sugar levels do not affect the result of the HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus) test in any way.
I hope this information will help you. Please revert in case of further queries.
Thank you.
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Dermatology
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