Are my tests conclusive ? Please help
Hi there,
Thank you for using AIDS Vancouver as your source for HIV/AIDS related information.
It is important to first note that receiving oral sex is considered a negligible risk activity. Additionally, our saliva actually contains enzymes which kill the virus. In order to contract HIV, the virus needs a fluid, activity, and direct access to the bloodstream.
In your case, there was a negligible risk activity, and no direct access to the bloodstream.
I will answer your questions below:
1) Your body starts making antibodies to any virus directly after infection. Thus, if you had been infected with HIV during that first encounter, your body would have already started making antibodies to fight the virus. Laser treatment does not affect antibody production. Based on your timeline it seems like you received laser treatment anywhere after 1 week post-exposure. Thus, your body would have already started producing antibodies. Additionally, you have been tested from 3-6 months post-exposure, during which time you would have built up more than enough antibodies to be detected in the ELISA test.
2) Shingles is not necessarily a symptom of HIV infection. It is part of the Herpes family and can be brought on by a variety of factors. I would highly recommend you discuss this with your Health Care Professional, so that it may be addressed.
3) The PCR DNA and RNA tests detect the genetic material of HIV itself. In this process, the genetic material of HIV is extracted and amplified, and detected – should HIV exist in your blood. While both these tests are highly accurate (99.9%), they are only available for screening of HIV+ babies or organ donors, in Vancouver. Both tests are accurate and results considered conclusive after 3 months.
The World Health Organization and International Guidelines on HIV testing consider test results accurate after 3 months. Thus, the fact that you have had a variety of tests in a large time frame, all with negative results indicate that you are not HIV positive, and these results are conclusive. Your symptoms may be due to another illness, thus it is best to work with a medical practitioner and have them diagnosed.
We recommend that anyone engaging in sexual activity go for regular STI check ups, to protect themselves and their partners.
I do hope that I have addressed your concerns. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us again.
Stay Healthy,
Sasha
AIDS Vancouver Helpline Volunteer
E-mail: helpline@aidsvancouver.org
Phone (Mon-Fri 9-4pm): (604) 696-4666
Web: www.aidsvancouver.org/helpline
Disclaimer
The AIDS Vancouver Helpline is a volunteer-driven information, referral and support service related to HIV and sexual health. Volunteers are trained in active listening, HIV and sexual health information, and local resources and services. Volunteers are not doctors, nurses, or other licensed professionals. Volunteers do not give advice, and strive to provide service-users with adequate information and appropriate referrals.
Helpline volunteers uphold the agency’s confidentiality and privacy policies. Your calls, forum posts, and emails are anonymous. We welcome you to use a pseudonym or “fake name” when using Helpline services. We will not ask for or track your personal information. To ensure that the Helpline program is providing quality services, the Helpline Coordinator regularly monitors online content (forum posts and emails) and supervises volunteers who are receiving calls.
The Helpline Program should not be used in replacement of medical examination, diagnosis, advice counseling or follow-up care. We strongly recommend routine testing (HIV and STI tests) and discussing your healthcare directly with a physician.
We would love to hear from you! If you have feedback or questions related to the operations of the Helpline, please contact David at helpline@aidsvancouver.org or by calling 604.696.4666.
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