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Expert: Terry B - 8/29/2006


Question
Dear Terry,

I unprotected sex with a woman that has HIV. After 4 months i took the ELSA test and tested negative... What are the chances i got infected?
Thanks and best regards,
Kevin.

Answer
Dear Kevin:

Thank you for your question.  I am glad she shared her HIV status with you, that must have been difficult for her.  Also, I commend you on being tested - not as easy to do as it is to recommend.

Assuming she is HIV-1 positive (not HIV-2 - rarer, primarily African) your chances of having been infected with HIV from her are extremely remote.  ELISA is a test that is more likely to test falsely positive or indeterminate than falsely negative.  As with all testing, there are some false negatives, but the chances are extremely remote.

For more on HIV testing and ELISA, (as well as sensitivity and specificity of tests) I recommend www.thebody.com as a pretty comprehesive resource; their links can take you to the scientific or community buzz most of the time.

Best to you, also.

Terry

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Terry B

Expertise

Help in assessing personal and professional risk of HIV transmission; tips in teaching about HIV/AIDS; cultural competency for teaching about HIV/AIDS in Catholic settings; considerations in US and overseas HIV/AIDS programs and education for health and other professionals. Specific questions about treatment should be referred to your health provider; opinions and information offered are not meant to replace medical advice

Experience

Seven years with academic medical center and national AIDS education and training center, seven subsequent years with focus on international HIV/AIDS in East and South Africa. Former clinician, bioethics preceptor at an academic medical center and presenter in wide range of fora including international AIDS conference.

Organizations
Disabled American Veterans American Public Health Association MENSA AA

Publications
Human Variety, EC Sociological Society Proceedings of the International AIDS Conference, Durban, South Africa "HIV and Primary Care"

Education/Credentials
BS Psychology MPH Master of Public Health PhD studies underway

Awards and Honors
Naval School of Health Sciences, Hospital Corps with Highest Honors, Neuropsychiatry with Honors and High Distinction

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