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How Accurate Is A 4th Generation Test For HIV?
Question: Hi, I have done the 4th generation test for HIV and the result has come back as reactive with a reading of over 400. I have been in a monogamous relationship for the past 6 months and my partner has tested negative for the 4th gen test. Could it be possible that its a false positive result?
Brief Answer:
False positive test is requires systematic approach and confirmation
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.
1. There has been a lot of research on the false positive result of 4th generation HIV testing methods. A recent research quotes the following "If 1 million specimens from each gender under the same conditions of prevalence are tested, approximately 1,970 and 2,490 results will be reported falsely positive from males and females, respectively."
2. Therefore you might observe that there is every possibility of a 4th generation test to be false positive but this requires alternative diagnostic techniques to be applied and verified in detail.
3. It is suggested that specimens that initially test reactive should be retested in duplicate, and repeatedly reactive specimens are to be subjected to a secondary screening test and confirmatory test.
4. Therefore you might follow a similar approach and get tested again by the same test kit. If you are still reactive then you should get tested by a test kit from another company. If that is also positive then it is to be confirmed by Western blotting which is a confirmatory test.
5. Please do not panic and take things systematically without any mental stress. I am sure your doubt will be cleared by doing subsequent testing.
Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
False positive test is requires systematic approach and confirmation
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.
1. There has been a lot of research on the false positive result of 4th generation HIV testing methods. A recent research quotes the following "If 1 million specimens from each gender under the same conditions of prevalence are tested, approximately 1,970 and 2,490 results will be reported falsely positive from males and females, respectively."
2. Therefore you might observe that there is every possibility of a 4th generation test to be false positive but this requires alternative diagnostic techniques to be applied and verified in detail.
3. It is suggested that specimens that initially test reactive should be retested in duplicate, and repeatedly reactive specimens are to be subjected to a secondary screening test and confirmatory test.
4. Therefore you might follow a similar approach and get tested again by the same test kit. If you are still reactive then you should get tested by a test kit from another company. If that is also positive then it is to be confirmed by Western blotting which is a confirmatory test.
5. Please do not panic and take things systematically without any mental stress. I am sure your doubt will be cleared by doing subsequent testing.
Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for your answer. I have not done a second test but I might go ahead and do that. I went to a doctor and he prescribed a pcr for RNA and a CD4 test. However, these tests will take time. In the meanwhile I will try and do the test again. Thank you.
Brief Answer:
Hope your second screening test comes back normal
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
1. Let us hope that your second test comes back normal.
Wishing you the best for the other tests including RNA PCR and CD4 count.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Hope your second screening test comes back normal
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
1. Let us hope that your second test comes back normal.
Wishing you the best for the other tests including RNA PCR and CD4 count.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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