Screening for HIV subtypes

[bud63]

Dear Drs. Handsfield and/or Hook:

Are the standard ELISAs in the US sensitive to HIV subtypes, like A/E and O and so forth? I had a standard blood-draw in my doctor's office in August, followed by an OraQuick Advance (blood) in November, both negative. Still, I worry a bit about these exotic subtypes, since I've had sex in past years (protected) with men from Southeast Asia, Asia, and Africa who were here in the USA. None of that happened recently though, and my current negative results reflect abstinence for 3 months prior.

Is there another test I should consider, or do these tests cover all that? Or should I quit reading things on the Internet that are liable to scare me?

Thanks for all your help in this forum.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Yes, all the standard HIV antibody tests in common use detect all HIV subtypes.  If you think about it, this has to be the case.  The American public has zero tolerance -- BELOW zero tolerance -- for blood-borne HIV infection.  Therefore, all blood donation centers use tests that detect any and all HIV infections.  For example, they started testing for HIV type II before that virus was even known to have appeared in this country.  All other standard labs use the same tests that blood banks do.

So you can rely 100% on your negative test, regardless of where and by whom you might have been exposed.

And yes, you should "quit reading things on the Internet that are liable to scare" you.  Or at least limit your reading to professionally run websites.

Regards--  HHH, MD

[bud63]

Wow, that was fast. Thanks, Dr. Handsfield.