Question:

Hello-
Recently I went to my doctor and had a tube of blood drawn. They sent the blood to Quest Diagnostics in Wood Dale, Illinois for analysis. When I got my report, the lab test said, "non-reactive" but I'd like to know how reliable my tests are. I sent an email to the lab (Quest Diagnostics) but they responded only by saying, "ask your doctor" which I don't want to do since I have a reputation and don't want to diminish my doctor's opinion of me.

According to my lab test, the following were done:
HIV-1 AB W/RFX
HIV-1 AB, EIA

What exactly are these two tests, and what do they mean? The test was done on 12/30/2003 and my last risky possible exposure (allowing a man to perform unprotected oral sex on me, I am a man also) was on December 12. Should I be worried about possible HIV infection?

I should also mention that when I was living in Suriname, South America, I visited several prostitutes and got tested at the end of June 2003 (HIV negative) and then just recently (12/30/2003) and was also negative. I'm assuming that means I cannot be HIV positive from the experiences I had in Suriname, however, I have allowed several men to give me oral sex. What is my chance for infection, and what does the test I had mean for me?

Thanks!

Answer provided by:

Daniel Lee, M. D.
Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine
UCSD Medical Center
Owen Clinic

The standard HIV test consists of 2 steps. The routine screening test is called an HIV EIA or HIV enzyme immunoassay which is followed by a confirmatory Western Blot test (which I presume is the W/RFX test). A non-reactive HIV test means that you likely do not have HIV. It is possible that someone who has been infected with HIV recently (usually within 6 months of their last exposure) can have a non-reactive HIV test, but has not yet seroconverted -- meaning their HIV test has not yet turned positive. This is why we recommend that people get tested every 6 months. In your situation, your HIV test was done about 18 days after exposure and was negative. I would recommend rechecking your HIV test in 6 months. If your test is negative at that time, I would feel extremely confident that you are not HIV positive from your exposure on 12/12/03. In regards to the Suriname experience, your chance for HIV exposure is close to zero as you have had 2 negative HIV tests 6 months apart after your exposure in Suriname. I would recommend that you try to practice safer sex, thereby reducing your anxiety as well as your risk for HIV infection. Remember, it only takes one unlucky exposure to become HIV positive. Be safe and good luck. Thank you for your question.

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