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Author Topic: Unsure abt test data  (Read 4065 times)

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Offline Puzzled

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Unsure abt test data
« on: February 19, 2009, 11:51:17 pm »
About 5.5 weeks after a potential exposure, I got tested.  The test used was AxSYM HIV Ag/Ab combo.  Results were -ve, my value was 0.32 against mean of 0.35 and cut-off of 1.  More than 8 weeks after first test, I got tested again.  Same test kit.  Resutls were also -ve, but my value now showed 0.65 against mean of 0.63 and same cut-off of 1.  Nothing risky happened in between tests.  Should I be worried re near doubling of values?  Should I re-test after another 6 weeks or so?
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Offline HIVworker

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Re: Unsure abt test data
« Reply #1 on: February 20, 2009, 01:51:54 am »
The test is run with standards that are positive and standards that are negative. Your result is compared to the standards. The assay establishes a cut-off value - below which all results are deemed negative. Often the cut-off is normalized to one. A negative result can sometimes bounce around - as you really are in the noise of the assay. Doubling of the number doesn't indicate that there are antibodies in your blood that are doubling since the last test. It just means that below the cut-off of 1, your signal is bouncing around. If you had HIV antibodies, you would score higher than 1. If you don't, then you don't have HIV antibodies. A change in the signal doesn't indicate that you are 'starting to seroconvert' if that is your interpretation.

Regardless of that, a test at 12-13 weeks is considered conclusive.

R
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NB. Any advice about HIV is given in addition to your own medical advice and not intended to replace it. You should never make clinical decisions based on what anyone says on the internet but rather check with your ID doctor first. Discussions from the internet are just that - Discussions. They may give you food for thought, but they should not direct you to do anything but fuel discussion.

Offline Puzzled

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Re: Unsure abt test data
« Reply #2 on: February 20, 2009, 03:17:25 am »
Not sure I understand about -ve results bouncing around.  Does the same happen with +ve results? Pls elaborate.  Also, I read somewhere that the instructions provided by the test manufacturer (Abbott) include retesting if the values are between 0.9 and 1.0.  That suggests the actual -ve value means something.
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Offline RapidRod

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Re: Unsure abt test data
« Reply #3 on: February 20, 2009, 04:38:12 am »
You were explain the process in detail. If you test was less than 1 and you test at 3 months post exposure then you are conclusively negative.
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Offline Ann

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Re: Unsure abt test data
« Reply #4 on: February 20, 2009, 05:53:50 am »
Puzzled,

What was your "potential exposure"? Unless it was unprotected anal or vaginal intercourse, you're likely worrying over nothing.

Ann
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Offline HIVworker

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Re: Unsure abt test data
« Reply #5 on: February 20, 2009, 09:37:42 am »
I agree with Ann here. This might be worrying about nothing. What was the risk?

Also, if you test very close to the cutoff it's indeterminate and they do a Western blot. You are nowhere near it.
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