Dr. Ravinder K. Sachdeva
HIV/AIDS specialist
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
Hi doctor,
I had unprotected sex with a sex worker before 16 years. Before two years, I got sick with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and loss of appetite. I got tested for HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) by ELISA (Enzyme linked Immunosorbent Assay), combo test, tri-dot, and RNA-PCR (Ribonucleic acid- Polymerase Chain Reaction). My wife has also done tests for HIV. I am depressed. Why HIV is not shown in my blood?
Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com.
First, the tests that you had undergone for diagnosing HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) are highly sensitive and specific. It gives accurate results. It is good to hear that you have a negative result for HIV done under varying time periods. The p24 combo is highly sensitive and specific. It detects both antigens and antibodies against HIV. If you do not have any further exposure that you mentioned, then you do not require any more tests for HIV. You are HIV negative. The test is negative as you have not infected with HIV and no test is required in your case.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
I had my exposure only one. After that, I have never visited a sex worker again. But now my wife and I have IBS. Is it due to AIDS?
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
All the test reports are normal and conclusive (attachment removed to protect patient identity). You are surely HIV negative. Gastrointestinal symptoms can occur due to various reasons and they do not necessarily represent HIV. Do a stool routine examination consecutively for three days.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
Have you ever seen a case like mine? Can I have a negative result detected for HIV using RNA-PCR after 17 years of high-risk exposure?
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I have not seen such cases. I would like to mention that not all unprotected exposures lead to HIV. You have a negative result out of that exposure. IBS is a treatable condition. Consult a gastroenterologist soon to treat it.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
I am confused. I have a negative result for HIV using RNA-PCR after 17 years. Some people say that this test is used only for early detection of HIV and it is not used for diagnosing it. Please help.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
HIV RNA test can be used for diagnosing HIV especially in early diagnosis and it can also be used in the later stage too. But some serological tests are preferred and recommended.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
I am attaching my HIV RNA report.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
It is negative and p24 combo test is also negative. Then, you do not require any further tests if you do not have any further exposure. Consult a doctor to get a prescription medication for ibs.
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HIV/AIDS specialist
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