Dear, Doc:

You are truly inpsirational and motivating to the many readers of your forum. Your photograph itself is so reassuring that people feel more collected in dealing with the issue. Here is a small poem to thank you for all the work you have been doing on this forum and for the cause of millions.

"Everyone craves to be happy, Right from the days of the nappy, People are right now snarling and snappy, To be happy is an instinct and we are not inert like a computer floppy!

The world gives us not even an iota of peace, On the contrary, it does endlessly tease, Difficulties and differences are endemic like HIV disease, Then is this effort useless? or should we just say cheese?

Who has not craved for endless happiness to continue? We are no fools and know it's temporary like a morning dew! If there is any single example to follow, it is YOU! and YOU! and YOU! For we are not grass for cattle to chew!"

May god bless you and protect you..

Now for my questions:

I had an unprotected exposure and was given the ELFA HIV test for which I tested negative for HIV 1 and HIV 2 at 96 days (13 weeks and 5 days) or just a week over three months.

My report just read,

HIV 1 & 2 (ELFA): Non Reactive.

I learnt the ELFA method is a DUO screening test that looks for both antigens and antibodies within the window period of three months.

I understand that the p24 antigen is a protein that is part of the virus. During the first few weeks after one is infected with HIV, p24 is produced and can be detected in the blood serum. The ELFA method tests for both p24 antigens produced and antibodies, depending on the time the test is administered.The ELFA test is at its best if taken at 4 weeks post exposure as it can identify both antigens and antibodies,as the antigens are at their peak.

Any test longer than the 4 weeks period tests only for antibodies, as anitgens begin to get undetectable.The only option left is to check for anitboies to the infection or the immune respose to HIV. Either of the tests - ELFA or ELISA, taken after 28 days tests for antibodies alone and these tests gives no different results or are consistent if taken post 10 week, and conclusive over 12 weeks.

Please let me know if:

1.I should be concerned about these different HIV testing methods and detectors in the market (if the ELFA is any better than the ELISA or vice versa?) 2.Am I correct in concluding that I do not need to worry about the testing methods and all tests are largely accurate at timelines over 10 weeks? 3.Would the ELISA test results have been any different from what I have at hand (results from the ELFA method), - I think it would be no difference. Right? 4.Do I need to do another follow up test now which is now more than 6 months or can I be confident with the results I have been given at 96 days?

Looking forward to your response. I know it will be a very reassuring reply from you.

Cheers, xobninbox

Hello xobninbox,

1. No, you should not be worried.

2. HIV-antibody tests are considered definitive at the three-month mark.

3. Correct. There would be no difference.

4. I would consider your 96-day result conclusive; however, if you remain worried, the option of retesting at six months is always open to you.

Good luck. And thanks for the poem and kind comments!

Dr. Bob