Question
How accurate are rapid tests for HIV diagnosis?
26 March 2007. Related: All topics, HIV testing.
Hi, I have been having sex with my girlfriend for the past year and a half. The first few times we had unprotected sex. After that we started using condoms for birth control. We continued to have oral sex often.
Recently my girlfriend developed an ulcer in the clitoris. She then checked and tested positive for HIV-1, by a TriDot test and also by western blot. I myself have tested negative by TriDot as well as by DNA amplification tests. How can i really be sure that i am negative? Should i be taking any prophylaxis?
Answer
The Tri-Dot test is a rapid HIV antibody test that is very accurate and sensitive at detecting HIV infection. Getting a negative result means that you are HIV-negative.
If you have been potentially exposed to HIV over the 3 months before taking the test – I don’t think this is the case because you have been using condoms – then you could confirm this with another test in three months.
Your girlfriend will now need to have other blood tests including a CD4 test to check whether HIV has damaged her immune system and whether she needs to start treatment, and a viral load test if this is available in your country. She should also see a doctor about the ulcer.
You do not need to take any prophylaxis treatment for your own health, but you will need to make sure you continue to use a condom during sex.
The following link show results that show that the TriDot test has over 99.9% reliability.
About 10 years ago I indulged in unprotected sex. Since then I have suffered from flu-like symptoms. I got my blood tested using the signal card test. It was negative. I heard the signal card test is not too accurate so I gave a blood sample for ELISA testing for HIV-1 and HIV-2. The results said “Mr X’s blood was found to be non-reactive for HIV-1 and HIV-2 viruses”. In the end it mentioned that “the word non-reactive does not completely rule out the infection of HIV it depends on window period which lasts from 3 weeks to 3 months” what does this mean? I am worried about this am I normal?
The results are accurate. We, however, advise everybody with an active sexual life to get tested regularly-say every 6 months.
Dear sir,
3
Tripod is perfectly accurate. Then, you cannot get infected just by being close to somebody who is HIV-positive. You shouldnot worry.
Dear sir,
I never had sex with anyone but one year before I was very close to my friend who
Firstly, not every sex worker is HIV-positive by default. In the majority of the cases the sex workers are well better educated about the STDs than the general population and know how to protect themselves.
If your tests have been negative and you did not have any further exposure to HIV afterwards, then you are negative.
As for the problems with your penis-this needs to be seen by a doctor.
Sir,
7 months back
A negative result after 6 months means that you are HIV-negative.
You do not need another test.
I had sex with a women and i don’t remember if it was protected or not. 6 months after I had sex I went for a HIV test at the Gum Clinic where the nurse took blood from my arm (vein) the next day i got my result and i was negative. Is the Result accurate or do i need another test?
Thank you
See the answer to this question at this link:
http://www.i-base.info/qa/?p=257