Expert: Kristen Brannock, MPH - 5/25/2009

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.