Hello,

In March of 2001, I was diagnosed HIV positive. First, I was made to know of this diagnosis from an insurance oral swab test. I then went to a clinic to get a blood test and it also came back positive.(twice) Ever since then up until present I have gone to my local clinic every 3 months to get my numbers checked. Thank God, I have NEVER had my levels go above undetectable and my CD4 count has always been normal.

Recently, I changed to a private physician and he referred me to an infectious disease specialist. When I told the doctor of my history he was very surprised that I, an african-american male had never had a "blip" in my viral load count. He said that is very rare, especially for an african american due to genetic factors. He has since ordered tests, one of which is the Western Blot. I am awaiting the results. Could I be negative after all these years? I have never had to take any HIV medication.

In a situation like mine, how often does this happen? False positives or just an undetectable viral load for more than five years.

Thank you. I await your response.

D

False positives on the Western blot are quite rare. The undetectable viral load is not an indication that the antibody tests were wrong.