can HIV test be wrong....a year ago we tested negative with my wife....but now the test shows positive.. and we have never been with anybody apart from ourself only.. please help..?

Hi there:

Thanks for writing in. False-positive test results are possible. If your wife was pregnant at the time she took her test that could be causing her positive result. Pregnancy can induce cross-reacting nonspecific antibodies that can lead to indeterminate or false-positive HIV-antibody test results.

If this was an ELISA test, then the two of you should most certainly go in for a Western Blot. A Western Blot is the gold standard for HIV testing and is always done as a confirmatory test when there is a positive ELISA.

If the Western Blot does come back positive then you would be considered HIV positive. If you have a positive ELISA and a indeterminate Western Blot then your doctor would look at your history to determine if transmission was likely.

In the event of a confirmed HIV diagnosis, please know that HIV is not a death sentence. With proper medical care, a commitment to your health, and a positive attitude you can expect to live a long and productive life. Our Just Diagnosed section offers a wealth of knowledge and will be helpful in the event that you need it. Good luck.

In health,

Richard