Does Septrin affect HIV results?
IT is not true that if you take Septrin tablets they will make the HIV test negative when you have the virus. Most of the common tests for HIV are tests for the HIV antibody. This is the product of a reaction between our body and the virus.
Ask the Doctor
With Dr. Paul Semugoma
Dear Doctor,
Is it true that when one takes septrin tablets immediately before an HIV test the result can be negative even when he has the virus in high concentration? Can this drug or any other medication taken just before the test affect the test results?
Ned
Dear Ned,
IT is not true that if you take Septrin tablets they will make the HIV test negative when you have the virus. Most of the common tests for HIV are tests for the HIV antibody. This is the product of a reaction between our body and the virus.
Once this antibody is produced in our bodies, it continues being produced. Drugs will not stop it from being produced, so the test will still be positive.
Even if a person is on ARVs, the test will be positive. The test will also be positive if you have another illness like malaria. It will not become negative.
Write to Ask The Doctor, P. O Box 9815, Kampala Or health@newvision.co.ug
With Dr. Paul Semugoma
Dear Doctor,
Is it true that when one takes septrin tablets immediately before an HIV test the result can be negative even when he has the virus in high concentration? Can this drug or any other medication taken just before the test affect the test results?
Ned
Dear Ned,
IT is not true that if you take Septrin tablets they will make the HIV test negative when you have the virus. Most of the common tests for HIV are tests for the HIV antibody. This is the product of a reaction between our body and the virus.
Once this antibody is produced in our bodies, it continues being produced. Drugs will not stop it from being produced, so the test will still be positive.
Even if a person is on ARVs, the test will be positive. The test will also be positive if you have another illness like malaria. It will not become negative.
Write to Ask The Doctor, P. O Box 9815, Kampala Or health@newvision.co.ug