False reactive screening

[kiyohara]

Recently my HIV screening test ( done as a part of regular employment screening and I have no symptoms) turned positive after which my family doctor performed the HIV 1 HIV 2 p24 antigen combo test that was negative. The second test was done 39 days after exposure.(unprotected sex of unknown status) My doctor told me the screening test was false positive since my second test was negative. A similar incident had happened to me nine years ago where a simple screening was positive and then I performed western blot, DNA PCR and P24 antigen ( waited for 6 months to perform all of them) all were negative, I assumed that was a false positive again. Do you think that now also it's only a false positive? why do they keep happening? Healthwise I am perfectly fine with no symptoms at all.

[Jim Allen]

Hiya

Really sorry to hear about the reactive HIV result,  I can understand its a shock.

In short screening tests are overly sensitive by design, they meant to screen out any for sure negatives leaving any reactive results for more specific testing.

The second test was done 39 days after exposure.(unprotected sex of unknown status)

Yeah, this is basically a 6 week result and it will rarely ever change. I would relax and move on with life. Now if you want to retest at 3 months post exposure for peace of mind and a conclusive negative result that is up to you.

Here's what you need to know in order to avoid hiv infection:
Use condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse, correctly and consistently, every time, no exceptions. Consider starting PrEP as an additional layer of HIV protection going forward

Keep in mind that some sexual practices which may be described as ‘safe’ in terms of HIV transmission might still pose a risk for transmission of other STI's, so please do get fully tested regularly and at least yearly for all STI's including but not limited to HIV and test more frequently if unprotected intercourse occurs

Also note that it is possible to have an STI and show no signs or symptoms and the only way of knowing is by testing.

More information on HIV Basics, PEP, TaSP and Transmission can be found through the links in my signature to our POZ pages, this includes information on HIV Testing

Kind regards

Jim

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[kiyohara]

Hi JIm,

Thank you for your swift response.Good to hear that and shall follow your advice.

Kind regards

Kiyohara

[Jim Allen]

You're welcome

[kiyohara]

My story starts 13 years back when a normal HIV screening turns positive after which western blot und P24 antigen were negative and my family doctor said not be worried. Then around four years back i did a screening as a part of my job profile, screening positive but 6 weeks after fourth generation negative. Now after four years as a part of my infertility screening , again my screening test is reactive and fourth generation confirmatory is negative! My only exposure is one unprotected sex four years back ( status unknown) and then with my husband in the last four years, who is negative. Is this really case of false positive? Why does my screening always come positive but confirmatory negative! this is mentally so confusing. Can somebody give me an advise.

[Jim Allen]

The story is you had a false reactive screening result confirmed to be negative. It happens, is common enough, no drama needed. Cross reactive results can happen due to things like cross antibodies reaction and other past infection etc.

It's one of the many reasons why a screening test isn't an diagnosis and a reactive result simply means you need (needed) more specific testing to rule out HIV.

my husband

I'll still mention the same thing whenever anyone mentions being in a relationship;

If you engage in condomless sex with your partner, you are obviously at risk of acquiring HIV. In relationships, condomless sex is often based on trust or past test results; however, this does not prevent HIV, so if condomless sex does occur, you should consider testing more frequently

[kiyohara]

Thank you Jim for the advise. Appreciate it.

[Jim Allen]

You're welcome