Question
Do I need a western blot test to confirm my HIV status?
11 January 2008. Related: All topics, HIV testing.
I have tested at 38th week negative through the normal antibody test. However, I still have anxiety issues.
My lab doctor actually asked me to do a Western blot to ‘clear’ the issue once and for all.
Is it necessary? A Western blot is quite expensive and takes at least 1 month for the result. What are the chances for false negative or positive for the Western blot? Can a negative antibody happen together with a Western blot?
Answer
Western blot is usually used to confirm a ‘positive’ result from an ELISA (HIV antibody test). A negative result 38 weeks after the possible exposure is conclusive according to UK guidelines (BASHH say a result after 24 weeks is conclusive). I suppose your doctor suggests the blot, because he/she has seen that you are very anxious. In fact, according to the testing algorithms, you do not need the western blot, especially as it is more expensive.
If this will calm you down though, then this is your choice. The sensitivity of the test is really high and it will ‘clear’ the issue, even though there is no real medical need to take it.