what are my chances of being HIV positive?
2007-02-26 07:31:44 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ STDs
I went through the same thing in California.
I am 70 now and I am still alive with no signs of HIV [got rid of the husband] got a new one now. Things are better.
Went to a doctor here in AZ and I have no signs of.
The tests are for the birds have the time they work the other half they don't. Sometimes I think the doctors have no clue as to what they are doing....
2007-02-26 07:38:58 · answer #1 · answered by Angell 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm guessing that the first test was an ELISA (enzyme linked immunoassay), and the second a Western blot.
The ELISA test is a good screening tool, because it is sensitive, but unfortunately, it is not completely specific. This means that there is a high rate of false positives. That is why if you test positive on ELISA, you have a second test (the Western blot), which is much more specific.
If the Western blot test said you are negative, then you are probably negative (you must also remember that it can take up to 6 months after initial exposure to have detectable levels of antigens in your blood). If for some reason you had two ELISA tests, one being positive and the other being negative, you could be either positive or negative. You need to get more information from your doctor.
2007-02-26 07:40:14 · answer #2 · answered by janegalt 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
First, test may be ELISA test and if it is positive, get confirm with Westerblot. If westernblot is still positive, it's positive but if negative, then you are negative. ask your doctor whether the tests are both ELISA or ELISA and westerblot. When was the last time of your possible risk? you should get tested after 3 months of your last possible risk to detect your HIV antibody.
Your doctor should have explained you what is going on since this is a serious matter. Well, good luck and stay safe.
2007-02-26 16:33:15 · answer #3 · answered by Kelly 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can answer this one for you...
when you first become infected with HIV you can test positive and then negative because the viral load is too low to detect in the blood stream....you are most likely still infected unfortunately so please practice safe sex with your partner...
also...get checked periodically to see if you are still coming up negative or positive (hopefully you got a false pos and you really are neg) also continue to get your viral loads checked, when they start to climb that is time for some retroviral medications (which they have some major advances on)...
if you are truly positive, it is a horrible stressful situation which you will learn to live with, there are lots of medications out there that have great success of keeping viral loads down, but remember (always 100 percent of the time) follow the medication guidelines.....if you dont, the drugs wont work...
not that you need them now, but in the future if you or anyone you know takes them, make sure they follow them to the hour of med administration...
good luck even if you are positive you will still have many more years of living....just healthier and more cautious..
2007-02-26 07:39:15 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Common sense, continue to get tested at least every 6 months. Try a different testing facility.
2007-02-26 07:38:21 · answer #5 · answered by Kurtis 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you're taking home tests, go get a real lab test.
2007-02-26 07:35:54 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
go to the doctors and get tested again,.
2007-02-26 07:35:34 · answer #7 · answered by laydenirvine 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋