Q and A

Question

Would a steroid inhaler for asthma delay or inhibit HIV antibodies?

23 June 2010. Related: All topics, HIV testing.

Answer

Answer: Charlotte Walker

Thank you for your question.

Steroid inhalers have been known to decrease the amount of antibodies in the blood. However, this does not mean that there wouldn’t be any antibodies produced in response to a HIV infection. A 4th generation antibody test will still work within the 3-month period.

An antigen test would pick up HIV infection whether or not antibodies were present.

For more information on HIV testing please follow this link.

4 comments

  1. Charlotte Walker •

    Yes, it is conclusive but if you are really worried have another test to confirm.

  2. Dan •

    So if I had a Centaur test and had asthma and took my inhaler is a 3-month test still conclusive?

  3. Charlotte Walker •

    Yes

  4. Zain •

    So anyone who used the steroid inhaler for asthma and tested at 13 week (3 months) will have a conclusive result?