Is A 4th Generation Elisa Test Done Post 9 Weeks Of Exposure Conclusive?

Posted on Fri, 26 Feb 2016

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

Fri, 26 Feb 2016 Answered on

Sat, 7 May 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I had a 4th generation elisa test come in negative today, which is 9 weeks and 5 days after potential exposure. I am having neck pain on the back right side, and had a slight flu this week. I know those are symptoms, should I be worried about having hiv despite my negative test....

Answered by Dr. Sunil Jangid (26 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Not related to HIV.

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,

Welcome to HCM. I have gone through your query and understand the concern you are worried about and being your physician I will try to solve them out.

You had tested negative with 4th generation ELISA after 9 weeks and 5 days post exposure so don't worry because the result is highly reliable and accurate.

Neck pain and slight flu like symptoms are not the symptoms of HIV, they might be due to some other reason or seasonal change. Consult your physician and follow the treatment regime.
Do hot fomentation over the affected area to get some relief. Forget about the incidence and move ahead in life happily.

Hope this information will help you. For any further query you can directly write to me and I am always available here to answer you straight way.

Thank You

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Deepak

Follow up: Dr. Sunil Jangid (24 minutes later)

So I'm HIV FREE?

Answered by Dr. Sunil Jangid (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You have to go for repeat test after 12 weeks.

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,

Welcome back and thanks for follow-up.

Though HIV ELISA test is highly reliable and accurate after 9 weeks and 5 days but still you have to go for repeat testing after 12 weeks or 3 months as per routine HIV guidelines to declare any one free from HIV.

At present you can go for RNA PCR or 4th generation Duos test to remove the fear or anxiety related to HIV. Don't get worried or scared as the risk is very rare. Get tested again as per protocol, the result will surely come in your favor.

Thank You

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Sunil Jangid (28 minutes later)

I had the results come back today for 4th gen antigen and antibody test and it was negative that was 9.5 weeks. Is that good am I most likely HIV free?

Answered by Dr. Sunil Jangid (22 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
If antigen test is negative then you are free from HIV.

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,

Welcome back once again.

If 4th generation antigen and antibody test is negative at 9.5 weeks then you are absolutely free from HIV so forget all the things and move ahead in life happily.

Thank You

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Sunil Jangid (47 minutes later)

Really???!

Answered by Dr. Sunil Jangid (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes for sure.

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,

The antigen test can detect the presence of virus after 2 weeks so don't get worried as you are risk free for sure. Be relaxed and enjoy your life happily.

Thank You

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj