Im Scared Why My First HIV Test Was Positive They Ran A Confirmation Test On The Same Sample It Was Negative

Posted on Fri, 26 Aug 2022

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 Answered on

Thu, 3 Oct 2024 Last reviewed on

Question : doctora i need a second opinion, my first hiv test was positive they ran a confirmation test on the same sample it was negative! im so scared please adviise

Answered by Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You should not be worried

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,
I read carefully your query and understand your concern.

Sometimes it happens that you received a false positive HIV test or as we call it a reactive HIV test.
In such a case confirmation test is done,sometimes more then one which are more reliable.
If the confirmation test is negative, you should not be worried.

Hope my answer was helpful.
If you have further queries feel free to contact me again.

Kind regards!
Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (4 hours later)

Thank you doc, so the confirmation test on the same sample is very accurate and very unlikely to be A false negative? It is way past the window period over 15 months since the last sexual encounter with no other risky behaviour they sent me for a qualitative hiv test after the last negative result so i am still very worried

Answered by Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (36 hours later)

Brief Answer:
The confirmation test is very accurate

Detailed Answer:
Hi again dear,
HIV tests have high specificity.
So, if the confirmation test is negative, you should not be worried.

Take care,
Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (6 hours later)

thanks doc im trying to stay calm as i get my results for the wualitative test this week, why would they need to send me for that if the confirmation test was negative, im so worried sick im almosr suicidal

Answered by Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (45 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
Hi again dear,
The qualitative test is very accurate.
That is the reason why it is usually done.
If the confirmatory test is negative, there is nothing to worry about.

Hope it helps.
Take care,
Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Saisudha Kotla

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (11 hours later)

Im confused, in one hand you%E2%80%99re saying the confirmation test is very accurate and not to worry then also saying they do the qualitative test because its very accurate! This is only confusing me more and making me more suicidal

How can i be sure the second test is accurate with conflicting results from the first

i have not had any risk of infection in the last 15 months no sex or drug use so why would they send me for another test instead of giving me a result

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (14 hours later)

i received my result from pcr and it was negative i am so happybut thank you for all your input and advice it did help me calm down quite a bit !

Answered by Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (2 days later)

Brief Answer:
You are welcome dear

Detailed Answer:
Hi again dear,
I am very happy to hear that.
You are welcome for any other queries in the future.

Take care dear,
Dr.Dorin Gurabardhi

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T