Is Elisa 3rd Generation Test Done 6 Weeks After Exposure Conclusive?

Posted on Tue, 29 Mar 2016

Question: I had the elisa test done at 2.5 weeks at 6 weeks for hiv. It was negative, but I am still freaking out

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
sorry this happened to you

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your question.
Having a negative Elisa HIV test done at 6 weeks is a very good indicator that you are negative. Most people that have contact with someone with HIV convert to HIV positive within 6 weeks. The reason we recommend another test 3 months out after the possible exposure is just to make sure we do not miss the small amount of people that are late converters (become positive late after an exposure). The other thing you need to remember is that one exposure is not a huge risk for getting HIV. Even sex with a person with known HIV carries a less than 1% risk of transmission. If the person has known HIV and is in treatment the risk is even lower.
If you want me to give you more information please let me know the type of exposure you had and how long ago it was.
Let me know if you have further questions.
Dr. Robinson

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Kathy Robinson (4 hours later)

Intercourse with a stranger but wore a condom. Just feel like I have a lot of symptoms

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
symptoms are confusing

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for the follow up.
If you wore a condom there is even less chance that you contracted HIV. Also the person may not have been positive. HIV symptoms are confusing and can be very similar to just a common cold. It is most likely you are having some anxiety and possibly another type of viral syndrome going on. It is very unlikely that you have HIV. Try to understand that your risk is very low and make sure you get the 3 month test just to ease your mind.
Dr. Robinson

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Kathy Robinson (3 hours later)

Ok When does weight loss happen if you do have hiv? It's only been six weeks but I have changed my diet a bit the last week and lost about 2.5 kilos

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
too early

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your follow up.
You would not be losing weight at this stage. People who have weight loss from hiv/253657?iL=true" >AIDS have had it for years without treatment. Now with appropriate treatment people with HIV do not usually lose weight at all and in fact have a normal life span.
Regards,
Dr. Robinson

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Kathy Robinson (35 minutes later)

So would you say that I am HIV free?

I meant to say would you say there's a GOOD CHANCE that I am HIV free

Also having muscle/joint pains small bumps on collarbone but could be dry skin from sun tanning a month ago... I'm so scared

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
I think there is an excellent chance that you are HIV free

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I know that this is scary. There is nothing that you have told me that makes me think you are at high risk for having contracted HIV. Your symptoms do not sound like early HIV. They could be from many causes. If you get the test repeated at 3 months then you can be assured that you are HIV free. Right now it is important to understand that you are at very little risk and that your symptoms are not from HIV. Please try to do whatever you can to let go of some of the fear. Take walks outside, drink tea, do fun things with friends. You need to find some things to use as diversions so that you can let go of this fear.
Dr. Robinson

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Kathy Robinson (11 minutes later)

Ok I also feel a little sick but I'm a teacher and some of my kids are sick. I feel feverish though :(

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
try not to worry

Detailed Answer:
Your risk is very low. You probably just have a cold virus.
best wishes to you,
Dr. Robinson

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Kathy Robinson (5 minutes later)

Thank you for you're patience, just for reassurance then I will calm down; you think I'm safe?

Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (0 minute later)

Brief Answer:
yes I think you are safe

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I really do believe that you are safe. I think you can relax and just make sure you stay safe in the future. I wish you the best.
Dr. Robinson

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar