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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Possibility Of False Negative ELISA Few Month After Exposure

What is the possibility of a false negative ELISA after 5 months of exposure? I had an encounter of unprotected sex with a prostitute on 22 dec 2010 and got myself tested on 29th May 2011. The ELISA result came out negative. However, I have been experiencing symptoms which I read on the internet. I am really worried. Is it possible to be infected and still test negative even after 5 months??
Mon, 3 Nov 2014
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HIV AIDS Specialist,  's  Response
Hi,
Welcome to HCM.

HIV ELISA is highly reliable at 5 months of exposure more than 98%. If it is substituted with another negative HIV test it becomes almost 100% reliable. False negative after 5 months is very very rare.
Nothing to worry.
Dr S.Murugan
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Possibility Of False Negative ELISA Few Month After Exposure

Hi, Welcome to HCM. HIV ELISA is highly reliable at 5 months of exposure more than 98%. If it is substituted with another negative HIV test it becomes almost 100% reliable. False negative after 5 months is very very rare. Nothing to worry. Dr S.Murugan