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I Am Scared I Had A Positive Initial HIV Test

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Posted on Mon, 7 Oct 2024
Question: doctors i am scared i had a positive initial hiv test and a negative confirmation test, no sexual encounters for over 1 year they have sent me for pcr and i
doctor
Answered by Dr. Aaron Branch (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
What testing have you had done?

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Can you confirm what testing you had done, for the initial HIV test, and what test you had for the confirmation test? Why was the initial HIV test done? Do you have the results of the PCR test (RNA viral load), or not yet?

Please let me know if you can provide more information on the testing you have had done, and I should be able to give more advice on your situation and whether there is any need for concern. I can say, though, that in general, there can be false positives on initial HIV tests, because the focus for those tests is to make sure they don't have any false negatives (because it is most important that they don't miss anyone with HIV). The confirmatory test is then needed for any positive, and it is not unusual for those to end up being negative, which generally means you are not infected with HIV. But please let me know if you can provide more information and we can discuss more then.
Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Saisudha Kotla
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Aaron Branch (1 hour later)
The initial test was a 4th gen( )the confirmation was a differentiation immunosay (-)and i haven%E2%80%99t received the results yet thats why i am so scared i got tested because i wanted peace of mind going into a relationship with my best friend
doctor
Answered by Dr. Aaron Branch (23 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Glad to hear that

Detailed Answer:
I am glad to hear that, yes, with the confirmation test, and now especially with the negative PCR test, I would consider it conclusive that you are not infected with HIV, and no further testing would need to be done.

You're welcome, please let me know if there's anything else I can help with in the future. Thank you for your question and take care.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
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Answered by
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Dr. Aaron Branch

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2011

Answered : 1205 Questions

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I Am Scared I Had A Positive Initial HIV Test

Brief Answer: What testing have you had done? Detailed Answer: Hello, Can you confirm what testing you had done, for the initial HIV test, and what test you had for the confirmation test? Why was the initial HIV test done? Do you have the results of the PCR test (RNA viral load), or not yet? Please let me know if you can provide more information on the testing you have had done, and I should be able to give more advice on your situation and whether there is any need for concern. I can say, though, that in general, there can be false positives on initial HIV tests, because the focus for those tests is to make sure they don't have any false negatives (because it is most important that they don't miss anyone with HIV). The confirmatory test is then needed for any positive, and it is not unusual for those to end up being negative, which generally means you are not infected with HIV. But please let me know if you can provide more information and we can discuss more then. Thanks.