Please Note: Due to volume considerations, not all questions can be answered. Questions most likely to be answered will be those of general interest to a broad group of visitors to this forum. Questions pertaining to a specific case; requests for diagnosis, medical advice, or second opinion; or requests for opinions about untested alternative therapies will generally not be answered.
Ask the Experts about General Treatment Strategies
Test Results
Sep 25, 2001
Can a test show up postive for HIV and could be wrong? My friend's blood test results recently came up postive for Hiv and her husband is negative. She has not had or ever had a nother sexual partner besides her husband. Her husband is also faithful to her. We are so confused by this news . How can this be so. She has not had a blood transfusion or any surgery. The only time she was in the hospital was when she gave birth to her son one year and a half ago.
Response from Dr. Young
As you have noted, your friends situation is one that appears, at face value to be rather unusual for HIV transmission. From what you describe, there does not seem to be a obvious risk factor for infection. It is important to note, that a negative HIV test does not mean, in absolute terms, no HIV. Persons with recent HIV infection can have negative tests, but actually have high levels of virus and be very infectious.
HIV tests are usually very, very accurate. This statement assumes that the test involves both the ELISA test as well as a positive Western blot test. Sometimes, testing centers will report data that reflects only the screening ELISA test.
Errors can, and rarely do happen. For example, the sample of blood could be mislabelled. I would recommend a repeat antibody test as well as a HIV plasma viral load to confirm the situation.
Good luck, BY
Please remember that this forum is designed for educational purposes only, and experts are not engaged through this
forum in rendering legal or medical advice or professional services. Experts appearing on this page are independent and are solely responsible
for editing and fact-checking their material. Neither The Body nor any sponsor is the publisher or speaker of posted visitors' questions or the experts' material.
Questions and messages posted to this forum are not statements of advice, opinion, or information of The Body, Body Health Resources Corporation or any sponsor of this
forum. While neither The Body nor Body Health Resources Corporation regularly reviews posted content, we reserve the right to delete, move, or
edit postings if we deem it appropriate under the circumstances. Visitors submitting questions remain solely responsible for the content of their
messages.
Information provided by experts is general only and should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease, or relied upon as
legal or other professional advice. This information is not a substitute for professional advice or care. If you have or suspect you may have a
health or legal problem, you should consult your own health care provider or your attorney.
