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What Does A ELFA Report Stating "reactive" Suggest?
Question: Dear Doctor. I am a 37 male live in Indonesia. I always had protected vaginal intercourse with escorts. I felt quilty and want to live a clean life and back to normal life. I got tested of Anti HIV on 4th May 2015. The next morning, the lab call me to return to take another blood sample because they say the result is in marginal or borderline. The result on 7th May based on CMIA, ELFA, and Immunocremathography are REACTIVE. The lab told me that if all the results are REACTIVE, means it is i am HIV positive. Last year, i got tested on 26th August 2014 on the same lab. And, the same situation happened. I got called on the 2nd day to withdraw another blood sample. However, turns out it is NON-Reactive. My questions:
1. Does the result of the 3 methods performed conclude that i am HIV positive?
2. I am also have a Reactive Anti HAV, will it jeopardize the result of the test?
3. From the last test (26th August) till present, i have no symptoms as flu, rash, etc. Is it because the HIV is still in pre-liminary stages?
4. i do not know the exact figure of the result of the each tests performed, as it only says "Reactive"
What shall i do on my next step? I am ready to prepare for the worst, the only problem i am worried is that to tell my spouse. Thank you for your time, Doctor.
1. Does the result of the 3 methods performed conclude that i am HIV positive?
2. I am also have a Reactive Anti HAV, will it jeopardize the result of the test?
3. From the last test (26th August) till present, i have no symptoms as flu, rash, etc. Is it because the HIV is still in pre-liminary stages?
4. i do not know the exact figure of the result of the each tests performed, as it only says "Reactive"
What shall i do on my next step? I am ready to prepare for the worst, the only problem i am worried is that to tell my spouse. Thank you for your time, Doctor.
Brief Answer:
yes it looks conclusive. do a test again at different laboratory
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX, welcome to HCM and thanks for choosing us.
I share your concerns about your illness. I also share your concerns that you had used enough protection during sex but still your laboratory reports indicate reactive hiv results. It may happen if protection was not properly used.
Three different tests you have undergone are enough to diagnose hiv presence in body.
In my opinion recent results are more useful than last year results because hiv takes time to manifest in blood. You don't have any symptoms yet, because it may even take several years for clinical symptoms to appear as hiv grows slowly in body. If you maintain good general health, you can avoid clinical symptoms for longer times.
However I would like to advise you to go for testing once again at different laboratory, if again , results suggest hiv, it will be confirmatory.
I would also advise you to visit your doctor urgently and also take care so that it doesn't spread to your wife. Take care of your general health. Eat healthy food, do exercises regularly, take care of hygiene, avoid contact with chronically infected patients. This will help you in avoiding clinical manifestation of hiv.
I hope my reply will help you. Please write to us for more information and any follow up queries. I wish you good health. Kindly rate this reply. Thanks
yes it looks conclusive. do a test again at different laboratory
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX, welcome to HCM and thanks for choosing us.
I share your concerns about your illness. I also share your concerns that you had used enough protection during sex but still your laboratory reports indicate reactive hiv results. It may happen if protection was not properly used.
Three different tests you have undergone are enough to diagnose hiv presence in body.
In my opinion recent results are more useful than last year results because hiv takes time to manifest in blood. You don't have any symptoms yet, because it may even take several years for clinical symptoms to appear as hiv grows slowly in body. If you maintain good general health, you can avoid clinical symptoms for longer times.
However I would like to advise you to go for testing once again at different laboratory, if again , results suggest hiv, it will be confirmatory.
I would also advise you to visit your doctor urgently and also take care so that it doesn't spread to your wife. Take care of your general health. Eat healthy food, do exercises regularly, take care of hygiene, avoid contact with chronically infected patients. This will help you in avoiding clinical manifestation of hiv.
I hope my reply will help you. Please write to us for more information and any follow up queries. I wish you good health. Kindly rate this reply. Thanks
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Dear Doctor,
Thank you for your kind answer. I know that this fact is hard to swallow. But, i accept my consequences.
Do i still need to perform a Western Blot or RNA test? Or, those tests are not needed as most likely i am confirmed??
Does a Reactive anti-HAV will take affect in the test performed??
Thank you for your kind answer. I know that this fact is hard to swallow. But, i accept my consequences.
Do i still need to perform a Western Blot or RNA test? Or, those tests are not needed as most likely i am confirmed??
Does a Reactive anti-HAV will take affect in the test performed??
Brief Answer:
do a retesting at different laboratory.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX, welcome again.
Your latest tests results are reactive in comparison to last year's tests in the same laboratory, so In my opinion these three tests are confirmatory, however since it is a serious conditions which will change your life significantly, I would advise you to go for tests at a different laboratory once.
Even different laboratory will consider your earlier reports so please inform them about this. Yes western blot and RNA tests are available to confirm.
I wish you good luck and all strength. Maintain your general health in best condition. Believe that HIV can be defeated by strong will and some knowledge about its mechanism.
No HAV should not interfere with the results. RNA or DNA test for HIV is more specific for the condition.
I hope I have answered your queries. Please write to HCM or me for more questions or informations. Thanks
do a retesting at different laboratory.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX, welcome again.
Your latest tests results are reactive in comparison to last year's tests in the same laboratory, so In my opinion these three tests are confirmatory, however since it is a serious conditions which will change your life significantly, I would advise you to go for tests at a different laboratory once.
Even different laboratory will consider your earlier reports so please inform them about this. Yes western blot and RNA tests are available to confirm.
I wish you good luck and all strength. Maintain your general health in best condition. Believe that HIV can be defeated by strong will and some knowledge about its mechanism.
No HAV should not interfere with the results. RNA or DNA test for HIV is more specific for the condition.
I hope I have answered your queries. Please write to HCM or me for more questions or informations. Thanks
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Dear Doctor...
Thank you for your quick response.
Now i am trying to brace myself for all the possible outcome that will affect my whole life.
A question, since i am having unprotected intimacy with my wife, is she highly exposed to HIV as well? I never put any of my sperm inside her.
Need your advise doctor...thanm you
Thank you for your quick response.
Now i am trying to brace myself for all the possible outcome that will affect my whole life.
A question, since i am having unprotected intimacy with my wife, is she highly exposed to HIV as well? I never put any of my sperm inside her.
Need your advise doctor...thanm you
Brief Answer:
yes, your wife is at risk. do screening test for her too. use condoms
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX, welcome again.
I appreciate your courage and your concerns for your wife. Your wife is also at very high risk if you don't use protection. Condom is the only way which can protect your wife from getting hiv if she has not yet got it.
In my opinion your wife should also get her hiv screening done.
Meanwhile you need to start anti hiv medicines after final confirmation of hiv in your blood. Anti hiv medicines will reduce hiv load in your blood, even if they can't eradicate virus. If your wife's test is also reactive, she will also require anti hiv medicines.
I hope I have answered your queries. Please feel free to contact us for more information. I wish you good health. Kindly rate this reply. Thanks
yes, your wife is at risk. do screening test for her too. use condoms
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX, welcome again.
I appreciate your courage and your concerns for your wife. Your wife is also at very high risk if you don't use protection. Condom is the only way which can protect your wife from getting hiv if she has not yet got it.
In my opinion your wife should also get her hiv screening done.
Meanwhile you need to start anti hiv medicines after final confirmation of hiv in your blood. Anti hiv medicines will reduce hiv load in your blood, even if they can't eradicate virus. If your wife's test is also reactive, she will also require anti hiv medicines.
I hope I have answered your queries. Please feel free to contact us for more information. I wish you good health. Kindly rate this reply. Thanks
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Dear Doctor...
What some sort of HIV medicines that i need to consume??
It does need to be consume for the rest of my life, is it? And, what are some sort of side effects that i will experience?
Does the HIV medicine can be mix with any other supplemental vitamins??
What some sort of HIV medicines that i need to consume??
It does need to be consume for the rest of my life, is it? And, what are some sort of side effects that i will experience?
Does the HIV medicine can be mix with any other supplemental vitamins??
Brief Answer:
you need to go for ART (Anti retrovirus therapy)
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX, welcome again.
Anti hiv treatment is called ART (anti retrovirus therapy). This is combination of medicines like zidovudine, nevirapine, indinavir or sequainavir. There are several different drugs available from these prototype drugs. However these are not available over the counter. You need to visit some advanced health facility to get access to these medicines. You might have to take them for life long.
These are toxic drugs with several side effects related to abdomen. But you can not afford to avoid these medicines.
These medicines can be combined with vitamin supplements. Vitamin supplements will help in reducing side effects.
I hope I have answered your questions. Please feel free to contact us for more information. I wish you good health. Thanks
you need to go for ART (Anti retrovirus therapy)
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX, welcome again.
Anti hiv treatment is called ART (anti retrovirus therapy). This is combination of medicines like zidovudine, nevirapine, indinavir or sequainavir. There are several different drugs available from these prototype drugs. However these are not available over the counter. You need to visit some advanced health facility to get access to these medicines. You might have to take them for life long.
These are toxic drugs with several side effects related to abdomen. But you can not afford to avoid these medicines.
These medicines can be combined with vitamin supplements. Vitamin supplements will help in reducing side effects.
I hope I have answered your questions. Please feel free to contact us for more information. I wish you good health. Thanks
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Dear Doctor,
I went to another lab today to have a quick test. They performed TWICE on the Hexagon HIV, Vikia HIV (1&2), and One Step HIV (1&2). The result are all NON-REACTIVE.
Now, the lab is taking my blood sample to check on the CD4 test and RNA and Viral load.
During the 1st blood test that i took, I drank the GNC supplements such as fat burner, and other things for maintaining muscle and whey protein drink. Does it trigger the result to be REACTIVE on the 1st test?
Today, when i went for the 2nd test, i did not take any GNC supplements (ripped pack program), and the result is NON-Reactive.
Need your advise...as now i am a little confused but a little bit have a piece of mind.
Thank you.
I went to another lab today to have a quick test. They performed TWICE on the Hexagon HIV, Vikia HIV (1&2), and One Step HIV (1&2). The result are all NON-REACTIVE.
Now, the lab is taking my blood sample to check on the CD4 test and RNA and Viral load.
During the 1st blood test that i took, I drank the GNC supplements such as fat burner, and other things for maintaining muscle and whey protein drink. Does it trigger the result to be REACTIVE on the 1st test?
Today, when i went for the 2nd test, i did not take any GNC supplements (ripped pack program), and the result is NON-Reactive.
Need your advise...as now i am a little confused but a little bit have a piece of mind.
Thank you.
Brief Answer:
if CD4, RNA , viral load come normal, relax yourself
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX, welcome again.
Your results are really confusing as one laboratory says reactive other one says non reactive. This can happen if HIV is not there in your body. So it is certainly a good news for us. However it may also happen if viral load is very low in your blood. In my opinion you don't have hiv as you had been using protection too and your results are also non confirmatory.
Don't worry about GNC supplements, they are unlikely to affect your results.
However the tests which are being done by new laboratory now will certainly confirm the presence or absence of disease effects. CD4 counts, RNA, viral load will tell us about impacts of HIV on body. So these tests will indirectly tell us about the hiv status.
If your results for these tests come normal, please relax yourself. Take care in future.
I hope my reply will help you. Please feel free to contact us for more information and any follow up queries. I wish you good luck and health. Kindly rate this reply. Thanks
if CD4, RNA , viral load come normal, relax yourself
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX, welcome again.
Your results are really confusing as one laboratory says reactive other one says non reactive. This can happen if HIV is not there in your body. So it is certainly a good news for us. However it may also happen if viral load is very low in your blood. In my opinion you don't have hiv as you had been using protection too and your results are also non confirmatory.
Don't worry about GNC supplements, they are unlikely to affect your results.
However the tests which are being done by new laboratory now will certainly confirm the presence or absence of disease effects. CD4 counts, RNA, viral load will tell us about impacts of HIV on body. So these tests will indirectly tell us about the hiv status.
If your results for these tests come normal, please relax yourself. Take care in future.
I hope my reply will help you. Please feel free to contact us for more information and any follow up queries. I wish you good luck and health. Kindly rate this reply. Thanks
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Dear Doctor...
How about the three rapid tests result done today? Are those rapid kit tests quite reliable in determining quick result??
I am quite relieve, but still it is not settle till the result of the viral load and RNA and CD4 comes out.
CD4 result should be available in 2 days, and i will keep you informed for the result.
Thank you
How about the three rapid tests result done today? Are those rapid kit tests quite reliable in determining quick result??
I am quite relieve, but still it is not settle till the result of the viral load and RNA and CD4 comes out.
CD4 result should be available in 2 days, and i will keep you informed for the result.
Thank you
Brief Answer:
these tests are reliable. wait for cd4 count and viral load.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX, these tests are reliable and very sensitive. So believe in these reports. Wait for remaining tests specially CD4 count and viral load.
Please feel free to contact us for more information once you get results of the remaining test. I wish that these reports also come favorable. Thanks.
these tests are reliable. wait for cd4 count and viral load.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX, these tests are reliable and very sensitive. So believe in these reports. Wait for remaining tests specially CD4 count and viral load.
Please feel free to contact us for more information once you get results of the remaining test. I wish that these reports also come favorable. Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Dear Doctor....
Does by eating royal jelly will have an effect on the test result on the rapid test performed yesterday???
Thank you....
Does by eating royal jelly will have an effect on the test result on the rapid test performed yesterday???
Thank you....
Brief Answer:
no impact on hiv tests.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX, welcome again.
Royal jelly will not have any impact on the hiv tests. Don't worry and believe in the laboratory reports.
Please feel free to contact us for more information and follow up queries. Regards
no impact on hiv tests.
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX, welcome again.
Royal jelly will not have any impact on the hiv tests. Don't worry and believe in the laboratory reports.
Please feel free to contact us for more information and follow up queries. Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Dear Doctor....
Just assume the viral load is very minimal in my blood, does it make the rapid test gives a Negative results?
Just assume the viral load is very minimal in my blood, does it make the rapid test gives a Negative results?
Brief Answer:
rapid tests are very sensitive but wait for the viral load results
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX, welcome again. Thanks for the follow up queries.
Generally rapid tests are very sensitive and can detect even if viral load is low. However the possibility of a miss can not be ruled out. So please wait for the viral load levels.
I wish you good luck and healthy life ahead.
rapid tests are very sensitive but wait for the viral load results
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX, welcome again. Thanks for the follow up queries.
Generally rapid tests are very sensitive and can detect even if viral load is low. However the possibility of a miss can not be ruled out. So please wait for the viral load levels.
I wish you good luck and healthy life ahead.
Note: Get personalized answers to your HIV related queries You can choose to talk face to face with your doctor. Book a Video Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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