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Is HIV Antibody Test Done 15 Years Post Exposure Conclusive?
Posted on
Sat, 15 Oct 2016
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sat, 15 Oct 2016
Answered on
Wed, 9 Nov 2016
Last reviewed on
Question : I have drastic weight loss, neuropathy, plus other symptoms. I am concerned about HIV but I had two negative antibody tests. However this was 15 years post possible exposure. I have been to doctors I cant get any answers, infectious diseases doctor wont do RNA or t-cell test because antibody tests are negative. I've had 3 bladder infections this year. Do I need to see a haemotologist or an immunologist?
Brief Answer:
Consult your physician to isolate the cause.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,
Welcome to HCM.
The antibody tests after 15 years of exposure are negative then you need not to worry about HIV as the window period also varies from 15 days to only 3 months so the result is reliable and accurate. Be relaxed and don't think much about HIV.
Consult the physician for bladder infection, weight loss and neuropathy, go for some investigations to isolate the cause and follow the treatment regime. As such no need to go for RNA test. For any further query you can get back to me any time for help.
Thank You
Consult your physician to isolate the cause.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,
Welcome to HCM.
The antibody tests after 15 years of exposure are negative then you need not to worry about HIV as the window period also varies from 15 days to only 3 months so the result is reliable and accurate. Be relaxed and don't think much about HIV.
Consult the physician for bladder infection, weight loss and neuropathy, go for some investigations to isolate the cause and follow the treatment regime. As such no need to go for RNA test. For any further query you can get back to me any time for help.
Thank You
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Dr.Jangid,
The reason I'm so worried is that the antibodies can disappear. I've read medical journals that state this fact and there were patients that tested negative but infact had the hiv virus. I could be one of the rare few people that antibodies disappear in. This is why I need to be 100% sure. If the virus was there would rna test be the one that would put my mind at ease. and would rna test work if u had the virus but tested years later? Or would it be better to do RNA test and t-cell or cd4 test? As if virus was present for years t-cell count would be low. I'm sorry I'm just so stressed and worried. Thank you.
The reason I'm so worried is that the antibodies can disappear. I've read medical journals that state this fact and there were patients that tested negative but infact had the hiv virus. I could be one of the rare few people that antibodies disappear in. This is why I need to be 100% sure. If the virus was there would rna test be the one that would put my mind at ease. and would rna test work if u had the virus but tested years later? Or would it be better to do RNA test and t-cell or cd4 test? As if virus was present for years t-cell count would be low. I'm sorry I'm just so stressed and worried. Thank you.
Brief Answer:
Go for 4th gen Duos or western blot test.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,
Welcome back and thanks for follow-up.
The possibility of false negative result after 15 year of exposure is very unlikely or practically zero but if you are not happy with accuracy of antibodies test then go for 4th gen Duos or western blot test. Both these tests have 100% accuracy so it will allay your fear or anxiety related to HIV completely. Don't get stressed or tensed, go for the test and get back to me with test result or for any further query.
Thank You
Go for 4th gen Duos or western blot test.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,
Welcome back and thanks for follow-up.
The possibility of false negative result after 15 year of exposure is very unlikely or practically zero but if you are not happy with accuracy of antibodies test then go for 4th gen Duos or western blot test. Both these tests have 100% accuracy so it will allay your fear or anxiety related to HIV completely. Don't get stressed or tensed, go for the test and get back to me with test result or for any further query.
Thank You
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Thank you Dr.Jangid, I did do a fifth generation test, was fine.but its the rna that would give me peace of mind. Do you think I should try get t-cell test?
Brief Answer:
You can go for t-cell test.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,
Welcome back once again.
If you want to go for t-cell test then definitely go ahead to relieve your anxiety as well as fear related to HIV. For any further help you can get back to me any time.
Thank You
You can go for t-cell test.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,
Welcome back once again.
If you want to go for t-cell test then definitely go ahead to relieve your anxiety as well as fear related to HIV. For any further help you can get back to me any time.
Thank You
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar
Thank you for your help. I will do additional tests and I will let you know how it goes.
Brief Answer:
You are most welcome.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,
You are most welcome any time you need any help in future also. Be relaxed, move on in life and come to me again with your additional test results.
Thank You
You are most welcome.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,
You are most welcome any time you need any help in future also. Be relaxed, move on in life and come to me again with your additional test results.
Thank You
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
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