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Forum Name:
AIDS
| gordan1x2
- Thu Aug 23, 2007 6:14 am |
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i got the result of hiv test and on the test write antihiv-negative , what that means???that i don't have hiv??
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| Dr. Chan Lowe
- Thu Aug 23, 2007 9:35 pm |
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 Hi Gordan1x2,
There are a few different types of HIV tests available. Some test directly for the HIV DNA (actually testing for the presence of the virus itself) while other tests look for the antibodies that the body makes against the virus. This antibody method uses an indirect method of testing for the virus rather than testing for the virus itself.
Based on your report results "anti-HIV" negative you had a test that looks for the antibodies. These are referred to as "anti" meaning directed against HIV. So "anti-HIV negative" means the test did not detect the HIV antibodies. This either means that you do not have HIV for the body to react to (i.e. you do not have HIV) or that the body has not had enough time to begin making antibodies to the HIV.
Generally by 6 months after exposure the antibody tests are reliable but can become positive much sooner than that. If it has only been a few weeks since your possible exposure I would recommend you have a repeat HIV test done in the next few months just to confirm the negative status. If it has been over six months you should be safe in saying this is truly negative.
Best wishes.
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