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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is ELISA Test Advisable For Detection Of HIV2?

Hello doc, I have a question regarding my hiv tests. My result for hiv Elisa came negative, but the western blot was indeterminate due to presence of non specific bands after 54 days from exposure. So I took RNA PCR for hiv1, and that came negative as well. So my question is can a Elisa test in India detect hiv2? What generation machine is India using? Can a 3rd or 4th gen Elisa detect hiv 2? And why would a WB would show inconclusive result? I read WBs are often flawed for showing indeterminate results? Although my RNA PCR for hiv 2 is awaited. But somehow I m very anxious. Please help!
Mon, 24 Aug 2015
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Pathologist and Microbiologist,  's  Response
Hello and welcome to HCM,
For HIV testing, the guideline followed in India are as follows:
Initially a ELISA test is done. Fourth generation ELISA is the best at present since it detects HIV antibodies as well as p24 antigen.he person can be considered free from HIV infection.
If fourth generation ELISA is non-reactive, there is no need for any more testing, t
However, fourth generation ELISA is not done at all centers.
In conventional ELISAs the test is repeated after three months since the test can be falsely negative in window period which lasts for three months.
If ELISa is positive it is confirmed by PCR for HIV RNA and this is a confirmatory test.
Since, your PCR for HIV RNA is negative, you are free from HIV infection.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri
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Is ELISA Test Advisable For Detection Of HIV2?

Hello and welcome to HCM, For HIV testing, the guideline followed in India are as follows: Initially a ELISA test is done. Fourth generation ELISA is the best at present since it detects HIV antibodies as well as p24 antigen.he person can be considered free from HIV infection. If fourth generation ELISA is non-reactive, there is no need for any more testing, t However, fourth generation ELISA is not done at all centers. In conventional ELISAs the test is repeated after three months since the test can be falsely negative in window period which lasts for three months. If ELISa is positive it is confirmed by PCR for HIV RNA and this is a confirmatory test. Since, your PCR for HIV RNA is negative, you are free from HIV infection. Thanks and take care Dr Shailja Puri If