About Kristen Brannock, MPH Expertise I can answer any of your questions concerning HIV infection and AIDS. This includes ways it can and cannot be transmitted, how it is treated, how it affects the body and methods to protect yourself. I can also answer questions concerning safer sex and contraception.
Experience I trained with the Red Cross to be an HIV/AIDS counselor and I am a member of CARES- Carolina AIDS Resource Education Service.
Organizations CARES and trained by the Red Cross I also have my Master of Public Health in Health Behavior and Health Education.
Education/Credentials Master of Public Health
Health Behavior and Health Education
UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health
(formerly UNC-CH School of Public Health)
Question I 1st gave blood about 5 years ago and then tried to give blood a year later. I was reject and was told to call a number. I was told, when I called the number, that I tested positive for HIV in a screening test, but tested negative in a "closer" test. It really scared me at the time but I blew it off. I currently have an infected Parotid Lymph Gland and am scared that if my antibiotics don't work that the previous tests were wrong and I do have HIV. So my questions are. How sure is the Red Cross's 2nd screen test, how common is it for a Lymph Gland to become infected, should I get tested again regardless? Any other suggestions?
Answer I dont know what the Red Cross was using for testing 5 years ago but I think it was the ELISA and Western Blot combination. What is usually done is a person that tests positive on the ELISA is tested again with the ELISA and then with the Western Blot. The WB is the confirmatory test. A person that tests positive all 3 times get a positive diagnosis. I cant answer your question about infection and lymph glands but I would recommend getting tested again to be sure.
