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What Causes Low Lymphocytes Level?

Posted on Fri, 4 Jul 2014

Question: I have taken a rna hiv test on Mon. 3 weeks after comtact, just worried because my lymphocytes was below 15%, does herpes also lower these numbers? Test 100% ?

Answered by Dr. Vaishalee Punj (2 hours later)

Hi
Yes herpes can lower it but not that much. There are many other causes and you should not come to a conclusion unless something shows up on test. Moreover it is early to be lowered by HIV. I didnot understand what you meant by test 100%

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

Follow up: Dr. Vaishalee Punj (3 hours later)

Is the rna test 100% after 3 weeks of exposure? I think i have swollen lymphnodes in my stomach and neck nervous.

Answered by Dr. Vaishalee Punj (19 hours later)

Brief Answer:
One step at a time

Detailed Answer:
Hi again

Thanks for the followup.

I can figure from your query that you are stressed about the previous exposure. Do not worry and take it one step at a time. Unless some test shows positive results, you can be reassured that you are not infected.

Since you have had sexual exposure, you need to see a doctor and get tested for sexually transmitted diseases. Your doctor will advise an array of tests that will include urine and blood tests.

Yes, positive predictive value for RNA-PCR test is more than 99% after 3 weeks of exposure. You can be reassured about it that you do not have HIV particles running in your blood if you have had a negative RNA result.

Dr Vaishalee

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj