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Can Allergy Shot Effect HIV Tests?
Hi Doc, had an unprotected sex twice with a female, hiv status unkown. Took ELISA tests, 28 days and 5 months after exposure, both were negative. But I been taking allergy shots, two months before encounter and up until now. So in between the allergy shots, I took the ELISA tests. Did my allergy shot affected the HIV test results or are the result on both ELISA tests conclusive and I don't need any tests anymore?
posted on
Fri, 14 Mar 2014
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sat, 5 Jul 2014
Answered on
Mon, 7 Jul 2014
Last reviewed on
Hi,
Looking at your history and lab findings, I can comment as follows.
1. ELISA test is usually negative in first three months. It is called as window period, in which antibodies are not yet formed. It can be longer also.
2. Allergic shots would have given false positive ELISA rather than negative. It has not affected.
For tests, you can try ECLIA assay to evaluate p24 antigen and antibodies too.
Looking at your history and lab findings, I can comment as follows.
1. ELISA test is usually negative in first three months. It is called as window period, in which antibodies are not yet formed. It can be longer also.
2. Allergic shots would have given false positive ELISA rather than negative. It has not affected.
For tests, you can try ECLIA assay to evaluate p24 antigen and antibodies too.
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