Question
How many tests are needed to know if a baby is negative?
17 October 2016. Related: All topics, Children, Other tests, Pregnancy.
Answer
Hi
This is likely to be different in different countries and also depending on the risk to the baby
In the UK the baby is tested at birth, 6 weeks and 12 weeks using a test similar to viral load. The test name is HIV DNA PCR. If these tests are negative and the baby has not further risk, then the baby does not have HIV.
HIV antibody tests are not used because a baby keeps the mother’s antibodies for the first 18-24 months. So testing positive using an antibody test doesn’t mean anything until 18 to 24 months old.
Please ask your doctor about how this is tested in your country.
hi how many test should be taken of a child to know that she is still HIV negative
If a person has been taking Arvs for some years will that persons Dna always show they are Positive even if they are not from the memory in the DNA having been exposed the virus.
Hi Zinhle,
You shouldn’t worry. But it’s important that you continue NVP for the right number of weeks to protect your baby. Please talk to your doctor and check how long the NVP is needed. You can also let them know there was a four day break.
I stop my baby nvp for four days someone told me is not necessary because I’m not breastfeeding should I be worried?
Hi Lisa
I’m HIV+ mom. Have not yet received my baby pcr results, I’m breastfeeding and have given my baby formula 3 times when I was not available to feed him. I’m not worried about his health though he was on nvp n now on ilvitrim.
Thank you.
Hi Reneilwe.
If you’re child is ill and you don’t think she is improving she should see a doctor.
Hi
I’m HIV+ and my baby is now 4moths old, Her PCR test at 10 weeks came back negative and she is on Bactrim now.(was on Nevirapine for 6weeks). I am exclusively breastfeeding, but my baby has had flu for 2 weeks now, when I went to the clinic I was told to give her 1/2 spoon of honey before bedtime as they advice against exposing babies to different medications under 6months. But she isn’t getting any better, I am thinking of taking her to a doctor so she can get medication coz I feel like the more she is sick the easier it is for her to b HIV+ as she becomes weaker. All this panicking is also causing me alot of stress and worry.
Hi Rebbeca,
Please see the above post.
Hi my baby tested neg at 6weeks . I stopped breastfeeding at 12 months sp i need to knw if it possible for the results come back positive?
Hi Chrissy,
As you can see on the answer above, it’s good that your baby tested negative at 3 months. Please ask your doctor about Ilvitrim. It contains two antibiotics and is used to treat or prevent infections such as chest infections. The doctor will tell you why Ilvitrim is important for your baby and how long it needs to be used for.
my bby is 12mnths nw ,and the results came neg wen at 3mnths and continued ilivitrim stoped at 6mnths,bt m still breastfeeding am confused with intake of ilivitrim when was I to stop giving her..now I need to take her for another test.