What Does My ELISA Test Results Indicate?

Posted on Fri, 19 Dec 2014

Question: I have a HIV exposure . After that I am very anxious. I have done hiv 1+2 elisa test after 24 days and 30 days . Both tests result was mentioned as non-reactivate. But in both test shows different values. In first test it's mentioned as (sample absorbance :0. 069 and cutt of value :0. 506). In second elisa test it's mentioned (absorbance ratio :0. 331, Ratio <0. 9:non-reactivate and Ratio >0. 9 :reactivate ). I have also done HIV RNA PCR after 24 days (QUANTITATIVE VIRAL LOAD )NOT DETECTED (<100IU/ml). Now after 46 days i again do HIV 1+2ELISA but eventhough result is NON-REACTIVATE the values on ELISA test has increased to absorbance ratio:0. 501, Ratio <0. 9:NON-REACTIVATE and Ratio>0. 9REACTIVATE. I am afraid why values increase all time on ELISA. Please reply

Answered by Dr. Het Ram Bishnoi (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
No reason to worry

Detailed Answer:
Hello Welcome to Health Care Magic

I can understand your concern.
I am Dr. HetRam Consultant Physician going to solve your query.

HIV ELISA 1+2 is a test with said sensitivity of about 99.99% and specificity of more than 99%. The test interpretation method involves absorbance of colour intensity of chromogens and which is compared to negative control of same specimen. So in test the absorbance given is relative to (ratio to) the negative control of specimen. The results of two different tests can't be compared, it is a qualitative test so it can result in different absorbance or absorbance ration in different testings. You have been tested positive in multiple tests so there is no reason of fear. Even confirmatory test PCR came negative. These values don't represent incremental or decremental order, these represent values in comparison to same test only.
Actually you are tested negative and positive is misprinted , so I am sorry . Also sorry for replying late.

Thanks, I hope this helps you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Het Ram Bishnoi (6 hours later)

Thank you doctor. Doctor actually I am very anxious because on December my marriage is fixed. Doctor can I think PCR result as final. I have done PCR Test after 24days of exposure. Doctor according to you how safe am I now.

Answered by Dr. Het Ram Bishnoi (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No need to worry

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking again

PCR is a confirmatory test for HIV. You have underwent tests multiple times and these tests had high sensitivity so there is no reason to get distressed. Most patients develop antibody over about 4 weeks and you have tested at 46 days which resulted in negative results. So no need to fear, you are safe friend.

Thankyou, ask again for more uncleared doubts

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. Yogesh D