Q and A

Question

Do other medical conditions affect HIV test results?

1 October 2010. Related: All topics, HIV testing.

Answer

Answer: Charlotte Walker

Thank you for your question.

If someone has a condition which leaves their immune system weakened then it could mean that antibody-only tests do not work as well. In that case a PCR test or a fourth generation antigen-antibody test should be done as these tests look for the virus itself.

For more information about different tests please follow this link

4 comments

  1. Rebecca McDowall •

    Hi Derrick,
    It’s important to discuss these symptoms with your doctor. It’s important to check if these are side effects or signs of another illness. If you have been on Atripla for some time and these side effects are not improving it may be best to change to a different treatment.

  2. Derrick •

    I’m on atripla and it gives me Chest pain,flu at night and tiredness in the morning I’m rearly troubled with the mentioned problem. What schould I do?

  3. Charlotte Walker •

    No it wouldn’t. Please follow this link for more information focusing on the section titled ‘Can anything affect the result of my HIV test?‘

  4. tom •

    Would asthma or food allergies affect the test in someone that gets colds and flu a few times a year?