Question about HIV 2

[Polo65]

I took an architect abbot combo test and it wasn't negative. The test name was HIV ag/ab 1&2. I'm assuming the 1&2 meant HIV 1 AND 2? My question is do we need to specify to the lab we want to be tested for both 1 & 2? Or do they automatically include both in the combo test?
I'm confused because I was searching online and for this abbot combo test the FDA insert said it tests for antigen and antibody to hiv 1 and/or 2. So the "and/or" really worried me! I mean how can a person know what type of HIV they were exposed to so surely the test should automatically check for both right?
And is CMIA method a reliable method? Or should we always take ELISA tests?

[Sara_MHModerator]

Your question has been fully answered.  We wish you the best.

***  thread closed ***

[CurfewX]

1.  What was your HIV risk?
2.  How long after your risk event did you take your latest test?

[Polo65]

I took the test after one year, my risk was vaginal sex, I was drunk I can't remember if the guy used a condom, can't take his word for it.  I'm concerned so tested because of that. Can you please tell me if my test would automatically check for both hiv 1 AND 2? Or should I have told the lab to test for both. The lab paper said ag/ab 1&2 so I just assumed it would be both but anxiety is getting the better of me right now

[CurfewX]

Your tests were correct, and your result is conclusive.  You do not have HIV.

The "and/or" means that it tests for both HIV-1 and HIV-2.  It is possible for a person to be infected with HIV-1 AND HIV-2, although it is unlikely.  You can now move on from this event.

[Polo65]

Ok so I didn't have to worry about specifying to the lab then! And the test was cmia method, is this as reliable as Elisa or eclia etc?

[Polo65]

Can you please clarify if I should have told the lab to test for both? Or does the combo automatically check for both types of hiv?

[AnxiousNoMore]

Reread about conclusive, do not or move on for the answer to your question.

[Polo65]

Sorry just answer about the telling lab part. I did call them but I couldn't get a clear answer from them

[CurfewX]

The test looks for both.  Forget about this event and move on.  There is no other way to say it - you do not have HIV.

[Polo65]

I was just reading the FDA insert for the architect combo HIV test I had and it says “The ARCHITECT HIV Ag/Ab Combo assay is not intended for use in screening blood or plasma donors.” https://www.fda.gov/media/116836/download

What does this mean? That it’s not the correct test for screening blood? Then why did they use it on me? Or does it mean for blood donors?

[AnxiousNoMore]

The test looks for both.  Forget about this event and move on.  There is no other way to say it - you do not have HIV.

[Polo65]

But please clarify what it means? It’s not used for screening blood?
And I read NAAT is used for screening blood, should I do NAAT?

[GuitarRox]

PLEASE relax.  Read what it says.  Not intended for blood or plasma donors.  That means they aren't screening for that purpose because they are testing for HIV.  You are negative.  You sound like you suffer from anxiety disorder and need to talk to your doctor about anxiety.  But you do NOT have HIV.

[GuitarRox]

freaking out over nothing is a sign of anxiety.  Keep that in mind.

[Polo65]

Sorry I meant my test WAS NEGATIVE.