I am a 61 year old woman. Recently during qualification for an allergy clinical trial, I tested repeatedly reactive on an ELISA test and then non-reactive on the follow up Western Blot test. I went to my own doctor who ran another test. Again the ELISA is postive. The Western Blot is pending. My risk factors are very low. I did find out that my husband who I divorced 7 years ago was most likely bisexual. What are the chances I am HIV positive? Why would the ELISA be positive?

Hi there:

You could be experiencing a false-positive on the ELISA tests for a variety of reasons. Certain autoimmune diseases, multiple pregnancies, and previous infections with certain viruses, and bacteria can cause a false-positive ELISA test. A positive ELISA and a negative Western Blot would be considered a negative result.

If it's possible, could you ask your ex-husband to get tested for HIV? That would help answer the question as well. Given your previous negative Western Blot, it's likely the second one will also be negative. Your final diagnosis would be HIV negative. Good luck.

In health,

Richard