7 weeks negative, 12 weeks rapid test faint line

[peterwong]

I got 7 weeks negative from rapid test and ELISA result in March.

I test again today for 12 weeks result. But we found faint line shown on rapid test. I need to wait for blood test result next week.
 
I am now really scared. The nurse saw a very faint line. I cannot see the faint line by my untrained eyes. But I am now extremely scared.
 
The doctor explain to me that it is not definite result and we need to wait for blood test come out next week. He said the negative result in 7 weeks is a very good indicator since most of the positive can be detected in 4 weeks.
 
I read many people and experts saying that they never see people turns positive if they are 6 weeks negative. I really scared to be the first one.

[Jeff G]

Hi Peter , I would trust in what your doctor said and expect your HIV test to come back showing you are HIV negative . Your negative 7 week test inst going to change because if it was then your wouldn't have got a faint positive at 12 weeks . It all points to the fact you are HIV negative .

[peterwong]

Thanks Jeff. But what I learn is the rapid test is very accurate. The false positive rate is very low.

I am really scared now.

[Jeff G]

That negative rapid 7 weeks test is what I would trust , that and the fact that your doctor thinks you will come out of this HIV negative .

I have seen false positives , they do happen . I know you are understandably upset about this but there is little more than you can do now but wait and expect a good outcome when your blood test come back . 

[peterwong]

Jeff, which one do you think is more possible:

- 7 weeks negative but turns positive in 12 weeks?
or
- False positive in rapid test?

I read Oraquick manual state that any faint line considers as positive. I am so anxious and scared now. I can't even remember correctly with the working girl. I must be infected.

[Jeff G]

I think you had a false positive and your blood test will show that you are indeed HIV negative.

[jkinatl2]

From my understanding, that "faint line" seems indicative of a false positive. And some people receive them more often than others for a myriad of reasons, both genetic and pathological.

If I were you, I would eschew the rapid test and rely on blood draws, which compensate for the sensitivity with specificity.

I absolutely hope this all works out for you.