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Western blot and HIV testing
Hi all.
I wanted to know if there is any way that HIV can "hide" from a western blot? I tested positive with an antibody test, but they followed it with 2 western blots, one for HIV 1 and another for HIV 2. Both were negative. I'm not pregnant. The reason I say this is because i read that pregnancy can cause false positives.
Lastly, the tests were performed outside the window period of 6 months. In fact, they were done WAY outside the window period, if that makes any difference.
I'm really looking for guidance. My doctor advised me that I don't need to test again, unless I have had a recent exposure, which I haven't.
I'm a pretty low key kind of gal. No needles, no drugs.
My exposure was unprotected sex (multiple time) with a guy of unknown status.
I don't remember ever getting "really sick with ARS", although I have been experiencing some of the symptoms after finding out these results. Maybe it's just my mind. Doctor said its sort of "too late in the game" to feel symptoms, even if i were infected. Is that true?
I would truly appreciate any guidance or feedback.
I wanted to know if there is any way that HIV can "hide" from a western blot? I tested positive with an antibody test, but they followed it with 2 western blots, one for HIV 1 and another for HIV 2. Both were negative. I'm not pregnant. The reason I say this is because i read that pregnancy can cause false positives.
Lastly, the tests were performed outside the window period of 6 months. In fact, they were done WAY outside the window period, if that makes any difference.
I'm really looking for guidance. My doctor advised me that I don't need to test again, unless I have had a recent exposure, which I haven't.
I'm a pretty low key kind of gal. No needles, no drugs.
My exposure was unprotected sex (multiple time) with a guy of unknown status.
I don't remember ever getting "really sick with ARS", although I have been experiencing some of the symptoms after finding out these results. Maybe it's just my mind. Doctor said its sort of "too late in the game" to feel symptoms, even if i were infected. Is that true?
I would truly appreciate any guidance or feedback.
Thank you nursegirl. Do you know of any resources through the web or over the phone where I can talk to someone. I'm very hesitant about meeting with someone in person.
That's anxiety for you (and honestly, kind of an "OCD-like" characteristic. You KNOW in your rational mind what the facts are, but cannot convince yourself of it. That's where professional help will really come into play...helping you stopthe "what if" thinking cycle.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Thank you nursegirl. I have no doubt it is anxiety, but i feel like someone punched me in the stomach and took everything out of me that normally keep me sane. Deep down I know im not infected. I had 3 negative tests (after window period) and a negative WB, but for some reason, when my mind gets to thinking, I forget about all those and focus on the reactive one
Take the HIV therapy, it will help you. You are exhibiting paranoid "what if" thought processes, which is indicative of anxiety.
thank you all and God bless. I know I have a long road ahead of me in terms of recovering from this misleading news
The WB dosn't miss HIV infection--it confirms it & believe me if you were postive the WB would have confirmed this,it never misses and infection--it's highly accurate.Get some therapy if you can't accept the result so that you can get on with life in peace.
please take your any further comments to the hiv anxiety community forum. you will be better served there.
Today has been such a rough day for me. It has been more difficult than I had imagined to accept these results.I keep think "what if the analyzer read the WB incorrectly".
It has been several several months (years in fact) since my exposure and I know that if I had been infected, The WB would have shown it. But I'm doubting the ability of the person who performed the blot now. Am I being paranoid?
My doctor gave me the information of a few HIV therapists to talk to, but I feel very hesitant. I feel that if i go, I am confirming that im infected.
I have been reading other forum about HIV. Ive spent hours on "AidsMed, I just tested positive", just reading people's stories and I believe I have terrified myself even more.
I have not gone into my doctors office yet to get the results. All this was over the phone. I asked if the "WBs were COMPLETELY negative" and she said yes. Had there even been 1 band present, she would have told me correct?!
Sorry for such a long post. I just need some friends I can talk to and you all are the only ones. I'm too scared to talk to anyone else.
It has been several several months (years in fact) since my exposure and I know that if I had been infected, The WB would have shown it. But I'm doubting the ability of the person who performed the blot now. Am I being paranoid?
My doctor gave me the information of a few HIV therapists to talk to, but I feel very hesitant. I feel that if i go, I am confirming that im infected.
I have been reading other forum about HIV. Ive spent hours on "AidsMed, I just tested positive", just reading people's stories and I believe I have terrified myself even more.
I have not gone into my doctors office yet to get the results. All this was over the phone. I asked if the "WBs were COMPLETELY negative" and she said yes. Had there even been 1 band present, she would have told me correct?!
Sorry for such a long post. I just need some friends I can talk to and you all are the only ones. I'm too scared to talk to anyone else.
Thank you to the both of you.
Lizzie, trust me. I learned my lesson. I was with this man for years, then I realized the relationship wasn't what I thought it was. I tested after the relationship ended. About 3 times. Those were all negative. That is why this test took me by complete surprise.
Last question, promise. Can one of you address my question regarding the analyzing process of a Western Blot? Is there any way one could misread the blot?
Lizzie, trust me. I learned my lesson. I was with this man for years, then I realized the relationship wasn't what I thought it was. I tested after the relationship ended. About 3 times. Those were all negative. That is why this test took me by complete surprise.
Last question, promise. Can one of you address my question regarding the analyzing process of a Western Blot? Is there any way one could misread the blot?
i would accept my test results and move on with my life.
please use condoms. sex lasts a few minutes...hiv lasts a lifetime ! ! !
please use condoms. sex lasts a few minutes...hiv lasts a lifetime ! ! !
Thank you. So, just to reiterate, HIV can not hide from the western blot, right? There is no way that the analyzer could have read it incorrectly?
If you were in my position, would you be happy and comfortable with these results? Or would you re-test?
If you were in my position, would you be happy and comfortable with these results? Or would you re-test?
a negative western blot trumps a positive antibody test. you DONT have hiv.
time to accept your status :)
time to accept your status :)
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