Do Health Supplements Affect HIV and HPV Test Results? - Urology

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Do dietary supplements affect HIV test results and what is the window period for cauliflower?


Hello Dr.
Du, I would like to inquire about HIV testing and HPV testing.
Three months ago, I engaged in high-risk behavior, but I tested negative three months later.
During the first month of these three months, I took liver health supplements with the following ingredients: grape seed oil, safflower seed oil, artichoke oil, schisandra extract, pearl grass extract, choline bitartrate, antrodia camphorata extract, calendula extract, inositol, taurine, DL-methionine, andrographis extract, Siberian ginseng extract, niacin, vitamins B1, B2, and B6, gelatin, glycerin, water, carbon dioxide, blue #1, and red #6.
Could you please advise if taking these supplements in the first month would affect the HIV test results? Additionally, I have been unable to determine the incubation period for HPV.
If I test negative for HPV-DNA (typing) after three months, with a high-risk HPV ratio of 0.20, and have no symptoms, can I conclude that I do not have HPV? Thank you.

Jon, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/12/27

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology


Hello: The health supplements you mentioned should not affect HIV testing, but the incubation period for cauliflower (condyloma) is difficult to determine.
Of course, after three months, it is relatively safer, but I recommend that you stay vigilant, as there are medical reports indicating cases that exceed one year.
As for the HIV test, it is safer to retest after a certain period (for example, three months later).

Reply Date: 2016/12/27

More Info


When it comes to HIV and HPV testing, many individuals often have concerns about the potential impact of health supplements and other factors on their test results. Based on the information provided, it is important to clarify a few key points regarding the relationship between health supplements and the accuracy of HIV and HPV tests.

Firstly, regarding the specific health supplements you mentioned—grapeseed oil, safflower seed oil, artichoke oil, schisandra extract, pearl grass extract, choline bitartrate, antrodia camphorata extract, calendula extract, inositol, taurine, DL-methionine, andrographis extract, Siberian ginseng extract, niacin, and various vitamins—there is currently no substantial scientific evidence to suggest that these supplements would interfere with the results of HIV or HPV tests. Most standard HIV tests, including the HIV Ag/Ab combo tests, are designed to detect specific antibodies and antigens related to the virus, and the presence of dietary supplements in the body is unlikely to alter these biochemical markers.

Moreover, the liver health supplements you mentioned are generally considered safe and are often used to support liver function. However, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare provider regarding any supplements you are taking, especially if you are undergoing testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or if you have underlying health conditions.

Regarding your HIV test results, if you tested negative three months after a potential exposure, it is highly likely that you are not infected with HIV. The window period for most HIV tests is typically around 3 to 12 weeks, depending on the type of test used. Since you have waited three months and received a negative result, it is reasonable to conclude that you are HIV-negative.

As for HPV, the testing you mentioned (HPV-DNA typing) is a reliable method for detecting the presence of high-risk HPV strains. If your test results indicate a high-risk ratio of 0.20 and you have no symptoms, it is likely that you do not have an active HPV infection. HPV can remain dormant in the body for long periods, and many individuals may clear the virus without ever knowing they were infected. The absence of symptoms and a negative test result after three months further supports the conclusion that you are not currently infected with HPV.

In summary, health supplements like the ones you mentioned are not known to affect the results of HIV or HPV tests. Your negative HIV test after three months and the negative HPV-DNA typing suggest that you are not infected with either virus. However, it is always a good practice to maintain regular health check-ups and communicate openly with your healthcare provider about any concerns or symptoms you may experience in the future. If you have any further questions or uncertainties, do not hesitate to reach out for professional medical advice.

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