Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2007. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.I had testing done at 15 days with the Quantitative Elisa test and Ultrasensitive (less than 50 copies) RNA test which were both negative. I also had a negative PCR by DNA test at 28 days. I was told I am negative. However, would an autoimmune disorder have an effect on a DNA test? I have read on a site that only said an antibody test would be affected. Is this true? Can I breathe easier? I have high anxiety so doctor wants to test for thyroid issues.
Trevor Hawkins, M. D.
Associate Clinical Professor, Dept. Family Practice, University New Mexico
Medical Director, Southwest CARE Center, Santa Fe, NM
An autoimmune disease could conceivably generate a false positive Elisa, however, the confirmatory Western Blot antibody test is HIV specific and would not be affected. It would have no effect on the measurement of virus in the blood; your negative 28 day DNA would not be affected. You may breathe easy.
070214
ASKD070205
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted grants from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, John M. Lloyd Foundation, Roche and Trimeris, John M. Lloyd Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980,2007. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.