HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Does Negative ELISA HIV Test Result Post Unprotected Sex Indicate?

hi had sex with a lady nt so clean and while doing it she complained of condom breaking n i stopped and changed..since then it has been 6 weeks..i have done 3 finger prick tests between 3-5 weeks and an elisa test after 5 weeks..all the results have been negative..should i do a pcr test or Iam safe
Wed, 12 Nov 2014
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,
thanks for using health care magic

Its a good thing that the tests you have done so far are negative.

Unfortunately, rapid tests which i supposed you did with the finger pricking can only be reliable after a few months at least three; this is so because the rapid test detects antibodies which the body won't produce until after three to six months.

ELISA is a more specific test and if its an ELISA that tests both antigens and antibodies, then at 5 weeks you can be sure of reliable results. However, if the ELISA rather tests only for antibodies, then the results can only be reliable after at least three months.

PCR is a more sensitive test that gives reliable results earlier. but it might be a little expensive and not used routinely.

You could rather ask for the new generation ELISA test that detects both HIV antigen and antibody. Your doctor should be able to direct you how to go about it.

Best regards
Dr Achuo
I find this answer helpful

1 Doctor agrees with this answer

HIV AIDS Specialist,  Dr. Abhimanyu Makane's  Response
you should get 1 ELISA test after 3 months of exposure and if negative then need not repeat it afterwards.
I find this answer helpful
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.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Does Negative ELISA HIV Test Result Post Unprotected Sex Indicate?

Hello, thanks for using health care magic Its a good thing that the tests you have done so far are negative. Unfortunately, rapid tests which i supposed you did with the finger pricking can only be reliable after a few months at least three; this is so because the rapid test detects antibodies which the body won t produce until after three to six months. ELISA is a more specific test and if its an ELISA that tests both antigens and antibodies, then at 5 weeks you can be sure of reliable results. However, if the ELISA rather tests only for antibodies, then the results can only be reliable after at least three months. PCR is a more sensitive test that gives reliable results earlier. but it might be a little expensive and not used routinely. You could rather ask for the new generation ELISA test that detects both HIV antigen and antibody. Your doctor should be able to direct you how to go about it. Best regards Dr Achuo