Author Topic: ICMA testing (Read 32871 times)

flguy300 · « **on:** January 02, 2010, 09:48:34 am »

I had an ICMA test for HIV at 13 weeks--
It was HIV 1/O/2 by ICMA--non reactive
HIV 2 by EIA--still pending

First, is this conclusive for HIV 1 and 2?
Do I need to worry about the second test?

Is the ICMA test as good at ELISA and confidence at 13 weeks?
Thanks

Ann · « **Reply #1 on:** January 02, 2010, 10:05:06 am »

fl,

You are conclusively hiv negative - the ICMA is a standard, accepted test. Don't worry about your hiv2 test - hiv 2 is exceedingly rare in the US.

Use condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse, correctly and consistently, and you will avoid hiv infection. It really is that simple! Please read through the condom and lube links in my signature line so you can use them with confidence.

Ann

flguy300 · « **Reply #2 on:** January 02, 2010, 12:19:16 pm »

The only reason I ask is because I had a cd4/cd8 test about 1 month ago and cd4 was around 700. Although the cd4 % was about 49.8%, and cd8% 24.1. Should I worry about these particular numbers? Also cd4/cd8 ratio was 2.07.

thanks
I just hope ICMA is as good as Elisa at 13 weeks

RapidRod · « **Reply #3 on:** January 02, 2010, 12:28:11 pm »

flguy300 · « **Reply #4 on:** January 02, 2010, 01:00:09 pm »

RapidRod,
In your opinion as well as scientifically, is ICMA as sensitive/good of a test as Elisa? I had it done at 13 weeks. It was negative. I see Ann replied to my question, but does the HIV 1/O/2 screen for both 1&2? Do I need worry about pending HIV 2 EIA? Thanks again..Happy New Year

RapidRod · « **Reply #5 on:** January 02, 2010, 01:33:25 pm »

Yes it is as good as the ELISA test and it's an FDA approved test.

flguy300 · « **Reply #6 on:** January 02, 2010, 01:37:06 pm »

RapidRod: Two questions: 1)Do I need not worry about the HIV 2 EIA pending? I am hoping that delay is just the New Years delay--had blood drawn on 12/30/2009. 2) Can I take my ICMA results(12/31/2009) as conclusive at 13 weeks?
Thanks

RapidRod · « **Reply #7 on:** January 02, 2010, 01:47:34 pm »

NO. Yes.

flguy300 · « **Reply #8 on:** January 02, 2010, 01:52:26 pm »

RapidRod, I will move on with my life and things then, and get my Dr. to figure out my chronic sore throat. Do I need any further HIV testing? I don't want to infect my wife if there is possibility of that. I am sure you get this time and time again. My latest negative test as I said is 13 weeks minimum post-encounter by ICMA(HIV antibodies). By the way, when is 3 months IN-conclusive, in the setting of a normal immune system? Can that occur or extremely rare? Appreciate all the info. I am going to try and educate myself as much as possible so I can relieve or discuss fears others may have. Thanks for your time again to this forum.

Ann · « **Reply #9 on:** January 02, 2010, 03:22:32 pm »

fl,

Why are you testing?

Ann

flguy300 · « **Reply #10 on:** January 02, 2010, 04:17:07 pm »

RapidRod and others, let me know what your opinion is to previous post with RED statement. Thanks.

RapidRod · « **Reply #11 on:** January 02, 2010, 04:57:21 pm »

Anyone who continues to post excessively, questioning a conclusive negative result or no-risk situation, will be subject to a four week Time Out (a temporary ban from the Forums). If you continue to post excessively after one Time Out, you may be given a second Time Out which will last eight weeks. There is no third Time Out - it is a permanent ban. The purpose of a Time Out is to encourage you to seek the face-to-face help we cannot provide on this forum.

Andy Velez · « **Reply #12 on:** January 02, 2010, 06:01:16 pm »

You have already been told the test you took is a reliable and approved one. You tested negative at the CDC-recommended testing point. You are HIV negative. Period. End of story.

As far as any other information, read our lesson on transmission if you haven't already done so. There's a link to in the Welcome thread which opens this section.

You are chewing on the HIV worry bone unnecessarily. Get on with your life.

flguy300 · « **Reply #13 on:** January 02, 2010, 09:13:04 pm »

OK, I will settle down about this. I just continue to have angular chelitis and sore throat. I will not post any longer about this. I just want to find an answer at this point to what is causing my illness, because there is something wrong, just have not found out what yet, and will look elsewhere than HIV. Thank you everyone for your input.

Andy Velez · « **Reply #14 on:** January 03, 2010, 08:38:01 am »

Discuss the situation with your doctor. HIV is not what this is about. Period. Good luck in finding the real cause of the problem.

flguy300 · « **Reply #15 on:** January 03, 2010, 10:49:20 am »

Ok, again thanks to all for the information and support. I will call him tomorrow looking for different avenues of causes. Does anyone have an opinion on which way one would go? Symptoms being the angular chelitis, sore throat, and episodie groin pain(maybe epididimysis). Does anyone think urology next step or stick with primary care doctor?
Thanks again all and Happy New Year

Andy Velez · « **Reply #16 on:** January 03, 2010, 12:00:46 pm »

We can't diagnose anything for you here. Discuss it with your primary care physician and go from there.

flguy300 · « **Reply #17 on:** January 03, 2010, 12:11:37 pm »

That I will do. The thirteen week antibody test was very reassuring against HIV. Take care.

flguy300 · « **Reply #18 on:** January 03, 2010, 02:39:21 pm »

Finally and last. Has anyone in this forum known of anyone to have positive antibody test after a negative 13 week test? Just wondering. I hope to be as reassuring to others as all of you have been. It means alot to me. Take care all

Ann · « **Reply #19 on:** January 03, 2010, 02:57:55 pm »

fl,

I've yet to see a SIX WEEK negative turn positive, never mind a three month negative.

You avoided my question of what your risk was, and that naturally leads me to believe you had no risk. We only give risk assessments and testing advice here. We don't do diagnosis.

If you read the Welcome Thread before posting like you're supposed to, you will have read the following posting guideline:

Quote

Anyone who continues to post excessively, questioning a conclusive negative result or no-risk situation, will be subject to a four week Time Out (a temporary ban from the Forums). If you continue to post excessively after one Time Out, you may be given a second Time Out which will last eight weeks. There is no third Time Out - it is a permanent ban. The purpose of a Time Out is to encourage you to seek the face-to-face help we cannot provide on this forum.

Please consider yourself warned for the last time!

Ann

flguy300 · « **Reply #20 on:** January 03, 2010, 03:03:08 pm »

Ok I understand the warning and no more. I will, if you want me still to explain the risk, but I do mot want to get banned. Let me know, otherwise I will shut up.

Ann · « **Reply #21 on:** January 03, 2010, 04:55:50 pm »

fl,

No, don't bother telling us what your risk was - you should have responded with that when first asked.

The bottom line is no matter what risk you did or did not have, you are conclusively hiv negative. You do not have hiv and it's time you moved on. Make sure you use condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse, correctly and consistently, and you will remain hiv negative. It really is that simple!

Ann

flguy300 · « **Reply #22 on:** January 03, 2010, 05:57:56 pm »

Trying my best to do that Ann. Thanks for everyone's replies. Take care all

flguy300 · « **Reply #23 on:** January 04, 2010, 12:30:24 pm »

I will take the 13 week as conclusive then. I only had reservations due to ongoing symptoms and fear of infecting spouse. Going to see my doctor this afternoon to try and find direction of which avenue to take now. Not being all that knowledgeable puts some persistent thoughts in the brain about late serovonversion, but all the replies here help. Thanks again

Andy Velez · « **Reply #24 on:** January 04, 2010, 01:50:51 pm »

Yah, yah, yah. You are HIV negative. Period.

Guilt is a whole other matter. But as far as HIV is concerned you have no grounded cause for worry at this point.

flguy300 · « **Reply #25 on:** January 04, 2010, 02:59:01 pm »

I got HIV-2 by EIA today and was negative! Thanks all for your support. You are correct that guilt plays a significant role in things, but I have to convince myself that symptoms I am experiencing(which are valid ones) are not HIV related. I at this point just need to figure out what it is.

flguy300 · « **Reply #26 on:** January 04, 2010, 06:00:57 pm »

I do have a general question for the forum. Why are some labs using ICMA HIV 1/O/2 and others using ELISA? I see that the ICMA is fully automated and the ELISA is not. Is the ICMA just an easier test to do and becoming more for routine screening? My doctor didn't even know the answer. Thanks

RapidRod · « **Reply #27 on:** January 04, 2010, 06:04:32 pm »

Anyone who continues to post excessively, questioning a conclusive negative result or no-risk situation, will be subject to a four week Time Out (a temporary ban from the Forums). If you continue to post excessively after one Time Out, you may be given a second Time Out which will last eight weeks. There is no third Time Out - it is a permanent ban. The purpose of a Time Out is to encourage you to seek the face-to-face help we cannot provide on this forum.

flguy300 · « **Reply #28 on:** January 04, 2010, 08:30:20 pm »

I understand.....Was trying just to be more informed about testing.

RapidRod · « **Reply #29 on:** January 04, 2010, 08:53:53 pm »

Have a good day.

Ann · « **Reply #30 on:** January 05, 2010, 10:50:16 am »

fl,

If you want to know why a lab uses the test they do, you'll have to ask them. Either test is a valid, approved test, so the reasons are likely to be finance or supply related. How should we know?

Post one more time over your CONCLUSIVE NEGATIVE situation and you WILL be given a time out.

PLEASE CONSIDER YOURSELF WARNED FOR THE VERY LAST TIME!

Ann

flguy300 · « **Reply #31 on:** January 08, 2010, 04:24:58 pm »

Thanks all of you for your thoughts...Will you let me ask a question other than HIV here? It is about another STD. Done with the HIV discussion. Wanted to ask before I did. Please let me know.

Andy Velez · « **Reply #32 on:** January 08, 2010, 04:26:28 pm »

We only focus on HIV here. If you have a concern about another STD that is something to discuss with your doctor.

flguy300 · « **Reply #33 on:** January 08, 2010, 04:29:23 pm »

ok, thanks.. Will do.

flguy300 · « **Reply #34 on:** January 08, 2010, 04:34:46 pm »

I appreciate all the information you have all given me. i have taken all of your information about my testing results and am forcing it into my brain. I'm sorry, just a skeptical person with new the newer technology. If I have anything else to report ever, I will let you all know. Take care and you all have a good weekend!

flguy300 · « **Reply #35 on:** January 08, 2010, 11:09:25 pm »

I don't want a timeout, but i got some lab results I would like peoples opinion on. May I ask? If not, I will not.

Ann · « **Reply #36 on:** January 09, 2010, 06:08:50 am »

fl,

The ONLY lab test result relevant to this forum is an hiv antibody test.

I'm giving you that time out you've been warned about. You're clearly obsessing over an illness you do not have. Do not attempt to create a new account to get around your time out because if you do, you will be permanently banned.

Ann

flguy300 · « **Reply #37 on:** February 06, 2010, 02:11:38 pm »

Hello all. I last had encounter a little over 4 months ago with a girl. I don't know her status, but for argument sake, let's assume she's positive. I (male) received unprotected oral sex from her. She also, without protection and, fingered me internally and massaged my prostate without protection but with lotion. She possibly could have had cut/nicks on her finger that could have bled inside my rear end. I have had standard antibody test at 11,13,14,17 weeks--all negative, and most recent a rapid oraquick advanced fingerprick test that was negative at 18 weeks post exposure. I continue to have sore, irritated throat for three months without resolution. I also have neuropathy/tingling in both feet, hands, and face. I have lost 17 lbs. I believe that I have canadiasis and/or throat ulcer. I have done the spit test in a glass and I do in fact get the stringy strands you see with fungal infection. I have responded minimally to diflucan. I would be over this if it were not for the fact of symptoms that are getting worse and NOT better--especially the neuropathy--MRI of brain was normal. My doctors have not found a thing. I generally have been a healthy person. Do I need to continue to test for HIV since I7 week ELISA, 18 week rapid? CAN I take my tests as CONCLUSIVELY NEGATIVE? Whats the possibility of me testing positive after this long but still with symptoms. Does anyone know have any other thoughts? I appreciiate you all.

RapidRod · « **Reply #38 on:** February 06, 2010, 02:41:01 pm »

Return to your original thread.

flguy300 · « **Reply #39 on:** February 06, 2010, 02:54:13 pm »

This day and age, would it be HIGHLY UNUSUAL to test negative at this point, and be actually positive at later test? Just scared here rapid. Are there any strains that my tests would not detect? Would you have any problems with me having unprotected sex with my wife? Thanks for your time.

RapidRod · « **Reply #40 on:** February 06, 2010, 02:56:49 pm »

Done with this discussion.

Andy Velez · « **Reply #41 on:** February 06, 2010, 04:46:57 pm »

Hey! We've been through this route with you before and we are not going to repeat it now. First of all, I have merged your latest one with the previous one. Please follow our rule and keep all of your entries in this same thread.

You have reliably tested negative repeatedly over an incident during which you were not at risk to begin with. And that has all been explained to you before. If you come back again with more drama about this same incident you are going to get yourself a Time Out. Consider yourself warned.

Get yourself some professional help if you can't let go of this unwarranted concern about HIV.

flguy300 · « **Reply #42 on:** February 06, 2010, 04:58:57 pm »

Andy, sorry about the bad posting. May I ask a question of you though? It will be short. I do not want a time out, just asking permission please? I won't bother anymore.

Andy Velez · « **Reply #43 on:** February 06, 2010, 06:34:48 pm »

What's the question?

flguy300 · « **Reply #44 on:** February 06, 2010, 10:38:41 pm »

Thanks Andy. So would you say that no matter what the risk or current symptoms(which are real indeed), that my most recent tests are conclusive? Have you seen/spoke with anyone turning positive after negative test at 17,18 weeks? Thanks for allowing me the opportunity.

Matty the Damned · « **Reply #45 on:** February 06, 2010, 11:04:27 pm »

Your symptoms are irrelevant as far as HIV is concerned.

Your testing history is conclusive, you do not have HIV. You are not going to test positive at 17 or 18 weeks and we are not going to indulge you with pointless speculation about the arcana of HIV antibody testing.

You need to cut this crap out and move on.

MtD

Ann · « **Reply #46 on:** February 07, 2010, 08:12:47 am »

Fl,

How many times do we have to tell you that you DO NOT HAVE HIV? Your tests are conclusively negative and have been conclusively negative since week 13.

I'm giving you a second time out. As before, do not attempt to create a new account to get around your time out because if you do, you will be permanently banned.

Ann

flguy300 · « **Reply #47 on:** April 11, 2010, 09:38:41 am »

I just wanted to thank you all for being supportive. I have got my six month EIA results back and they were negative. I am still trying to deal with persistant symptoms but I will work through it. My primary care doctor still wants me to see an infectious disease specialist even though all of my latest STD panel came back negative. I don't know if I should follow his advice or seek another opinion. What is the panels thoughts here? He is out of ideas and wants to explore possibilities of "slow converter" as he calls it, or non-detected strain. I will let you know if I follow his advice or seek another primary care docs opinion. Hope you all are doing well. Take Care

Andy Velez · « **Reply #48 on:** April 11, 2010, 10:49:21 am »

Your negative result is not a surprise to us. You are HIV negative. And you aren't a "slow convertor." Yes, do consult another doctor who knows what he's talking about.

You also need to know that you aren't going to be allowed another round of what ifs here. This is an HIV website and whatever is going on with you has nothing to do with HIV. If you start coming back again repeatedly three strikes and you're banned permanently from the website.

I've merged your latest remarks with your previous thread. Follow our rule and keep all entries in this same thread.

You need to get on with your life and it happily doesn't include HIV, whether you believe that or not. You would be better off seeing a counselor and discussing what's keeping you emotionally from letting go of this issue. We can't address that need in this setting.

flguy300 · « **Reply #49 on:** April 11, 2010, 11:08:51 am »

Sorry for the posting mistake. I will take your advice then. I will seek another doctor and figure this thing out then. If I come back here, what questions am I allowed to ask? If physical symptoms would go away I would let this all go and never visit it again. Thanks again

Andy Velez · « **Reply #50 on:** April 11, 2010, 12:07:34 pm »

There really isn't anything more for us to say to you. Despite your doubts we know that you're HIV negative. You can have all kinds of symptoms from whatever causes and that won't change the fact that you have reliably tested negative for HIV.

So this site is really not the place for you to hang around anymore. That's the simple truth of the matter. Good luck in getting your symptoms properly diagnosed. We can't do that here.

mewithu · « **Reply #51 on:** April 11, 2010, 06:56:34 pm »

Wait 6 weeks Then get another test then you can quit worrying

flguy300 · « **Reply #52 on:** April 12, 2010, 10:01:17 am »

First of all, I have no clue who posted that that post in my thread. My question is, with current HIV testing(antibody) in the US, are they going to pick up all the current strains as well as the CRF's? If ones exposure was with someone from Asia, does that change protocol/tests to be considered for a conclusive result.

Andy Velez · « **Reply #53 on:** April 12, 2010, 10:10:07 am »

I'm answering this as a courtesy in response to your PM. Don't mistake that as an excuse to begin a new chain of questions.

Any approved test you use today will give you a reliable result. A risk for HIV is not your issue. Period.

Andy Velez · « **Reply #54 on:** April 12, 2010, 10:11:07 am »

Me, although your intentions are the best, only those who are authorized to answer questions in this section are allowed to reply here. Thanks for your cooperation with this rule.

flguy300 · « **Reply #55 on:** April 12, 2010, 10:21:47 am »

Thanks again

Andy Velez · « **Reply #56 on:** April 12, 2010, 10:43:55 am »

You're welcome.

flguy300 · « **Reply #57 on:** May 01, 2010, 01:59:13 pm »

I have Ok'd this thread with a moderator. Questions are 1) If one has tested out to 6 months with Standard Elisa and 7 months with a rapid test, should one be worried despite symptoms? Especially if they are doctor verified and not anxiety related. 2) With current STANDARD ANTIBODY (detecting M and O) tests in the United States, would they still be able to pick up the ODD strains ( "N" and CRF's, etc.) say from a different country like Japan/Korea, or other Asian country? 3) Are the strains different there?? If not, are there any SPECIFIC tests that are ran for these? 4) I understand the 3 month conclusive, but does that apply to situations/testing like this? Thanks all for the information. If you could give me some info on those questions, if would be awesome. Thanks

RapidRod · « **Reply #58 on:** May 01, 2010, 04:24:46 pm »

 Anyone who continues to post excessively, questioning a conclusive negative result or no-risk situation, will be subject to a four week Time Out (a temporary ban from the Forums). If you continue to post excessively after one Time Out, you may be given a second Time Out which will last eight weeks. There is no third Time Out - it is a permanent ban. The purpose of a Time Out is to encourage you to seek the face-to-face help we cannot provide on this forum.

Andy Velez · « **Reply #59 on:** May 01, 2010, 04:47:41 pm »

Quote from: flguy300 on May 01, 2010, 01:59:13 pm

I have Ok'd this thread with a moderator. Questions are 1) If one has tested out to 6 months with Standard Elisa and 7 months with a rapid test, should one be worried despite symptoms? Especially if they are doctor verified and not anxiety related. 2) With current STANDARD ANTIBODY (detecting M and O) tests in the United States, would they still be able to pick up the ODD strains ( "N" and CRF's, etc.) say from a different country like Japan/Korea, or other Asian country? 3) Are the strains different there?? If not, are there any SPECIFIC tests that are ran for these? 4) I understand the 3 month conclusive, but does that apply to situations/testing like this? Thanks all for the information. If you could give me some info on those questions, if would be awesome. Thanks

If you have tested negative at 3 months much less 7 months, you are HIV negative. Period. End of story.

Current tests in the US will pick up any HIV. Period. Ditto for Asia.

Now it's time for you to give this up. If you come back again you are going to get Time Out. And don't PM me either.

Give it up and get on with your life. Really.

flguy300 · « **Reply #60 on:** November 20, 2010, 11:30:07 am »

Hello all. Still scared here. I have tested out to a little over a year now. I am still worried that I have HIV of some sort but cannot be detected. Since last October I have sore throat, white tongue, bloody nose, easy bleeding, weight loss, and LOTS of visual things happening. My most recent labs show some slight response to infection of some sort. I have had about 20 hiv screening tests after 3 months.. Is there ANY way (I live in US) that the HIV screening tests my doctor ordered through Quest( last one a few weeks ago, as well as the rapid tests(oraquick one month ago) that have been done can miss a strain as my exposures were with CSW and some were of foreign lands? 2)If I have some sort of infection, coiuld that be delaying HIV detection. Please, at this point I will take cancer or anything other than HIV so I cannot pass on to my wife. Please answer

RapidRod · « **Reply #61 on:** November 20, 2010, 12:27:53 pm »

 Please do not start a new thread every time you have another question or thought - regardless if you think your questions are related to each other or not. It helps us to help you when you keep all your thoughts or questions in one thread and it helps other readers to follow the discussion. Additional threads will be merged.

Andy Velez · « **Reply #62 on:** November 20, 2010, 12:54:38 pm »

I've merged your threads here.

As you have been told repeatedly you are HIV negative. Period. End of story.

You can't pass a virus to your wife that you don't have. If you have troubling symptoms you need to discuss them with your doctor. They have nothing to do with HIV.

Your fears about HIV are totally unfounded. See a therapist or other professional if you can't let go of this baseless fear about HIV.

I am also going to give you a Time Out for 56 days from this site. You can't keep coming back here again and again with the same ungrounded fear about HIV. Don't make the mistake of trying to get in by creating a new name. We'll spot that right off and it will get you permanently banned from the site. If you return with more of this same stuff after the ban is over you are very quickly going to find yourself being permanently banned from the site. HIV is not your problem.

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Author Topic: ICMA testing (Read 32871 times)