Understanding the HIV Testing Window Period: What You Need to Know
HIV testing issues Hello doctor, I had sexual contact with a sex worker on March 8th. I used a condom throughout the encounter (no condom for oral sex and condom for vaginal intercourse), and there were no signs of breakage. I would like to know how long I should wait for an anon...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if there has been no unsafe sexual behavior for more than three months and all tests are negative, the likelihood of infection is very low. Currently, it is recommended to undergo a Combo test. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding the HIV Testing Window Period: What You Need to Know
Can Undetectable HIV Viral Load Result in Negative Test Results?
Viral load is undetectable? If the HIV viral load is undetectable, will an HIV test during a routine blood check at a regular company show a negative result?
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, theoretically it should present as negative. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can Undetectable HIV Viral Load Result in Negative Test Results?
Understanding HIV Testing: Risks of Seroconversion After Negative Results
HIV testing issues? Hello Dr. Hong: I am #192559, and I have previously inquired about post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Thank you very much for your prompt response and for addressing my concerns. However, I have another question I would like to ask you, Dr. Hong, and I would app...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if there are no subsequent unsafe sexual behaviors, the chance of a positive result is very low. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Risks of Seroconversion After Negative Results
Understanding HIV Testing: Do You Need Further Testing After Negative Results?
HIV issues Hello doctor, I had risky sexual behavior on September 6. I tested negative for antigen and antibodies at 15 days, negative for antibodies at 42 days, negative at 84 days, and negative at 99 days. Do I still need to get tested, and what is the likelihood of a conversio...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, consider two sexually transmitted infections: 1. Syphilis: The window period is one and a half months. If the test is negative after 99 days, there is no cause for concern. 2. HIV: The window period is three to six months. If the test is negative after 99 days, it is recom...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Do You Need Further Testing After Negative Results?
Understanding False Positives in Military HIV Testing: Key Insights
Military service medical examination issues? Hello doctor, I underwent a military physical examination in December, and a month later I was informed that I tested positive for HIV. In January, I immediately purchased an at-home rapid HIV test, which returned a negative result. I ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to visit the infectious disease outpatient department at a medical center for a Combo test or Western blot test to confirm whether there is an actual infection. As for your daily routine, it should not significantly affect the test results. Thank you for ...[Read More] Understanding False Positives in Military HIV Testing: Key Insights
Understanding HIV Testing: Key Questions and Answers for Patients
HIV testing issues? Hello Dr. Hong, thank you for your response. I would like to clarify a few points based on our previous discussion: 1. Is it correct to understand that as long as there is HIV virus present in the body, new antibodies will continuously be produced, maintaini...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Theoretically, the human body will produce corresponding antibodies; however, the quantity and types of antibodies may vary due to the functionality of the immune system and the progression of the disease. 2. If previous tests have been negative but there is a concer...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Key Questions and Answers for Patients
Understanding HIV Antibody Testing: Common Concerns and Clarifications
HIV Antibody Testing Issues Hello, I am someone who has been panicking about HIV testing recently. 1. So even though HIV antibodies may decrease over time, they will not decrease to the point of being undetectable, right? I am mainly worried about a potential missed diagnosis f...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Currently, most hospitals use a combined test for antigens and antibodies, so it can still be detected. 2. If tests are negative after three months of unsafe sexual behavior, the chance of infection is very low. 3. This depends on the sensitivity of each test. 4. C...[Read More] Understanding HIV Antibody Testing: Common Concerns and Clarifications
Understanding HIV Testing: Common Concerns and Answers
HIV testing issues Hello Doctor, I would like to ask a few questions. 1. Four years ago, I underwent HIV antibody testing and RT-PCR testing due to a high-risk behavior, both of which were negative. I had slowly forgotten about this, but recently I have suddenly become fearful ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. If only antibodies are present, they may indeed decrease over time; however, RT-PCR tests for viral load, which will not decrease over time, so you should not miss a diagnosis. 2. Typically, instrument-based tests are more accurate. 3. Almost everyone will have anti...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Common Concerns and Answers
Understanding HIV Testing: Can False Negatives Occur?
Is there a possibility of false negatives in HIV testing? 1. I had protected sexual intercourse on October 5th at 11 PM, and I took an antibody and antigen rapid test on January 4th, which came back negative. Can I rule out the possibility of a positive result? 2. Many hospital...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. After a three-month window period, infection can generally be ruled out; however, this is contingent upon no unsafe sexual practices or sharing of needles during this time. 2. Generally, the timeframe is three to six months; one month refers to the earliest time at which a p...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Can False Negatives Occur?
Understanding HIV Test Results: What Does a Reactive EIA Mean?
HIV testing issues I previously underwent a military physical examination, and the HIV test was conducted using the EIA (Enzyme Immunoassay) method, with a result of 370.40, which indicates a reactive result. Does this mean it is positive? If it is positive, should I get tested a...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The general testing for HIV is divided into two categories: the Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) and the Western Blot test. The former is considered a screening method with a threshold of 1, which can result in a small number of false positives; typically, a result greater than 20 is ...[Read More] Understanding HIV Test Results: What Does a Reactive EIA Mean?
Risk of HIV Infection from Patient's Sputum Exposure: What You Need to Know
HIV infection Hello Doctor, the day before yesterday while I was performing suctioning on a patient, it seems that the patient's sputum splashed into my eyes. However, since I was wearing large-frame prescription glasses and the sensation was not very noticeable, I am not su...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, I apologize for the late response. For transmission to occur through this route, the patient must be an HIV-positive individual who is not on antiretroviral therapy, resulting in a high viral load. Theoretically, the risk of transmission from respiratory secretions splashi...[Read More] Risk of HIV Infection from Patient's Sputum Exposure: What You Need to Know
Concerns About PEP Use: Symptoms, Timing, and Alcohol Interaction
Issues Related to PEP Administration Hello doctor, I would like to ask about my situation. I have been taking PEP medication for about a week now, within 48 hours of potential exposure. During this period, I have experienced symptoms similar to acute HIV infection, such as swolle...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Symptoms can be difficult to determine. It is recommended to get an HIV test if there are any concerns. 2. To confirm a diagnosis, it is advisable to undergo testing. 3. It is recommended to avoid alcohol as much as possible. If you really want to drink, wait 2-3 da...[Read More] Concerns About PEP Use: Symptoms, Timing, and Alcohol Interaction
Assessing HIV Risk After Electrocautery Treatment for Penile Bumps
Risk of HIV Infection Due to having pimples on the penis, I underwent electrocautery. The procedure lasted about an hour, and during that time, someone assisted me. There was no bleeding at the moment, and I am unsure if the other person made any contact, but I noticed they had n...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, there are three main modes of transmission for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): 1. **Sexual Transmission**: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bod...[Read More] Assessing HIV Risk After Electrocautery Treatment for Penile Bumps
Understanding HIV Symptoms and Testing: What You Need to Know
HIV-related issues 1. Ten days ago, I had unprotected sexual intercourse, and three days after the encounter, I developed a fever of 38.5 degrees Celsius. After seeing a doctor and receiving an injection, my fever subsided, but I continued to experience diarrhea for the following...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) data, the transmission routes of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are as follows: 1. **Sexual Transmission**: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bodily fluids...[Read More] Understanding HIV Symptoms and Testing: What You Need to Know
Understanding HIV Testing: Is a Negative RT PCR Result Reliable?
HIV testing issues? I have undergone an RT-PCR test, and the result was negative. It has been 32 days since I was exposed on the day of the blood draw. Can I feel reassured now?
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your current condition and test results, the chance of HIV infection is very low. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Is a Negative RT PCR Result Reliable?
Understanding the Impact of Stress on Immune System Health
Immune system Hello, doctor. I am the patient who asked questions today regarding the many positive results. Thank you for your answers. What I fear the most is the HIV test, but fortunately, it came back negative. However, I am still very worried about the numerous abnormal resu...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, indeed, aside from HIV, other positive results do not necessarily indicate an acute infection. Wishing you all the best and good health.[Read More] Understanding the Impact of Stress on Immune System Health
Understanding Safe Needle Use in HIV Screening: Your Concerns Addressed
Regarding screening needles? I previously went for an HIV test, and the person said they used safe needles for blood collection, similar to those at the Red House testing station. However, I have a concern: is it possible that I accidentally received a needle that was used by som...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the so-called safety needles refer to those that retract the needle back into the syringe after a single use, making them completely unusable afterward. Therefore, there is no need to worry about the issue of reuse. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding Safe Needle Use in HIV Screening: Your Concerns Addressed
Understanding HIV Testing: Interpreting ELISA Results and Detection Capabilities
HIV screening Hello Dr. Hong, I have undergone the fourth-generation ELISA HIV Ag/Ab combo test twice within a week. The first result was 0.09 and the second was 0.12. I would like to ask if this increase in values is normal, or if values below 1 are considered acceptable. Additi...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Yes, anything less than 1 is considered normal. 2. Both HIV-1 and HIV-2 can be detected. 3. Yes, these subtypes can be detected as well. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Interpreting ELISA Results and Detection Capabilities
Understanding HIV Testing: Key Insights on PCR and ELISA Results
HIV testing issues? Hello Dr. Hong, I engaged in high-risk behavior on June 14. After 50 days, I underwent an RT-PCR test, and after 56 days, I had an ELISA 4th generation combo test. I have read that the viral load of HIV begins to rise after entering the body and then gradually...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Due to the body's immune response, it is indeed possible for the viral load to decrease over a period of 50 days without treatment. 2. A negative PCR test at 50 days and a negative fourth-generation ELISA combo test at 56 days indicate a very low probability of inf...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Key Insights on PCR and ELISA Results
Understanding HIV Testing: Can Viral Load Become Undetectable?
HIV screening issues Hello Dr. Hong, I am the one who mentioned having a positive PCR test at 50 days and a positive fourth-generation ELISA test at 56 days. You mentioned that the viral load could indeed decrease because the body has immune responses. I have another question: if...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, ELISA primarily detects antibodies, so there is no issue of decreased levels. Although the viral load may decrease in the PCR part, it can still be detected. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Can Viral Load Become Undetectable?