Dr. I understand that this is not a hepatitis question but I would really appreciate a explanation if you would be so kind. I had protected sex with a sex worker use a condom that she provided and a month later I had a reative ELISA test. I then took a Western blot test that showed irregular antibodies in the P55 band. I then tested negative ELISA at 2 and three months along with a Negative RNA test at three months. When I was first told that I was reactive, my doctor told me that there was no chance that the test was wrong and that he was sure that I was infected, I am overseas and have not received any explanation of what happened. I read so much about how accurate the ELISA is and how rare is a false positive, so how come me ? Right after a low risk but possible exposure ? I would really feel a whole lot better if a doctor who I think knows what he is talking about could just give me a quick explanation, my doctor here speaks very little English. Thank you.

It is not particularly uncommon to get false positive Elisa test. If you have had other negative ones and a negative RNA then there is nothing to worry about. Relax and enjoy life! DTD