I had a HIV DUO 4th Generation test done on 30th August 2011 which showed the result as NON Reactive with value 0.21 (Non reactive range is 0.0 to 1.0)
Again I did the same HIV DUO test on 30th January 2012 and the result was NON Reactive but this time the value rised to 0.28 which is 0.07 increase in previous resulted value.
My question is, why is the NON Reactive value increasing? Does it mean that the HIV virus have multiplied in past 6 months? Will it reach to the Reactive value after 12 months? I didn't have sex, but my friend carrying HIV had bitten my thumb.
If you could please answer my question at your earliest convenience? Thank you in advance.
Hello and thank you for using the AIDS Vancouver Helpline.
The index values are actually not important when given a non-reactive or negative HIV result. An increase in the index value from one test to the next does not mean that the virus is multiplying and that eventually you will test positive. This value can increase and decrease from test to test but an increase does not mean that you will eventually test positive. Non-reactive means the test was not able to detect any HIV antibodies. So, the only thing that is important is that both of your tests came back negative. According to international guidelines, HIV test results are conclusive at three months (12 weeks or 84 days) post exposure. You indicated that your last test was in January and seeing as the exposure was at the end of August you have past the three month mark. You can therefore rest assured that you did not acquire HIV from this exposure and do not need to retest.
I have also included a link to other questions asked regarding index values for your interest and information from our website: http://www.aidsvancouver.org/search/node/index%20values
In Health,
Julia
AIDS Vancouver Helpline Volunteer
p: (Mon-Fri 9-4pm ): (604) 696-4666
Comments
So what do these index values
So what do these index values mean? What does the increase/decrease mean?
Hi there,
Here is the follow up informaton to your question:
The index value can fluctuate based on many different factors. For instance, going to get tested at a different time of the day may affect your results but the only part of the test that you should focus on are your results. Since both of your result were negative past the 3 month mark, there is no need to re-test or worry about why your index values changed because that is irrelevant.
Also if you look at the bottom of the original question and answer, Julia posted a link that will help clarify index values. Again, I want to emphasize index values are 'not' as important and are not used to measure HIV status.
hope this helps
Jaz and Kamani
Volunteers AIDS Vancouver
604.696.4666
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