What are the chances of getting a false positive AIDS test result
2006-07-20 13:21:07 · 5 answers · asked by Richgirl 3 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Infectious Diseases
If the person had yaws would this influence the HIV test result?
2006-07-21 14:16:54 · update #1
By the time the disease had progressed to affect a general blood test there are other obvious signs of the disease. Generally, when someone has a very low absolute lymphocyte count in a CBC, then the disease may be suspected. It would be VERY unwise to wait that long. The best way to treat AIDS is to identify those infected as early as possible and then give them medications that will keep the viral count as low as possible and the CD4 count as high as possible. That will keep their immune system healthy and stave off all those horrible secondary infections. When treated early, people with HIV can live a long relatively healthy life. This was not the case 15-20 years ago.
The chances of a false positive are extremely low. Almost all labs do a confirmatory Western Blot test if a rapid HIV test is positive.
2006-07-20 14:47:49 · answer #1 · answered by petlover 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The AIDS test is a little misleading, in that it actually tests for the antibodies that the body produces to combat the virus. To date the HIV virus remains to be identified - this means that we can't see it. The human body actually tailors blood cells, as needed, to fight a particular virus - kinda like arming a soldier to fight a particular enemy. It is improbable, though not entirely impossible, that a test will produce a 'false-positive' result. Cases of mis-identifying T-cells have been documented, in the past, but since our technology has greatly improved, it's much easier to see and identify the differing characteristics.
2006-07-20 20:36:24 · answer #2 · answered by tankboy444 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are sexually active and have not used protection ONE time; then test for AIDS. It's a small thing that could save your life. Be very careful in your sexual practices, there is no cure for AIDS... just treatments. The best treatment is a good diet. Your body can fight the infections better with good health.
You can get a false negative if you have tuberculous.
2006-07-27 19:02:19 · answer #3 · answered by betterhealth@flash.net 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
pneumosistis pneumonia is an indicator of active AIDS. as are leisons, but i think the sores come later. a false positive is rare, and the disease can be in your system for years before it turns into active AIDS. its best to get tested often if you are sexually active. better to know than to not know.
2006-07-20 20:34:30 · answer #4 · answered by firehd 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why would you even want to take a chance on not knowing ?
2006-07-20 20:24:35 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋