Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I had tested HIV at home with the finger prick method of blood collection with HIV antibody rapid test kits from five different manufacturers after a possible sexual exposure nine years ago. Is it conclusive? I want to know if HIV antibodies can be similar in the amount in whole blood or serum, or plasma. Can finger-pricked whole blood give accurate results as serum? If I test in the laboratory with ELISA, what will be the result for multiple times negative results with rapid test kits?
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
Serum, plasma, and whole blood are different from finger-pricked blood. Finger-pricked blood is called capillary blood. It is not equal to any of the above. Serum, plasma, or whole blood testing is the best, others are inconclusive. We are still determining how the results will be in the laboratory after multiple negative kits because it is only capillary blood. We have to wait and watch.
I hope you get an answer.
Thank you.
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