Dr. Bob,

I recently took an EIA test which came back as repeatedly reactive. A Western Blot was then performed and no band was reactive.

How exactly do I interpret these results? Am I HIV positive or negative?

I have been suffering mental torture with earlier EIA results coming back as positive, then negative, then positive again. Thus, I want to be assured that the Western Blot test negates every discrepancy there may have been on all those EIA tests. Please respond to my email. Thank you.

Hello,

You've had earlier EIA tests that came back positive, then negative, then positive again. Now you've got another positive EIA; however, a Western Blot showed no bands. Your results indicate you are most likely HIV negative. Your EIA-positive results are false-positives as indicated by the negative Western Blot, a more specific test. If you remain "mentally tortured," see an HIV-knowledgeable physician to review your history and test results. If necessary, he or she will recommend a follow-up study, such as a DNA-PCR if your results are in dispute, or a repeat EIA/Western Blot in three months. The important thing to realize is that a positive EIA and negative Western Blot is considered to be a negative HIV test, OK?

Dr. Bob