Hello,
Thank you for asking your query at DoctorSpring.
Your PCR tests have come back negative for hiv 1 infection as you are below threshold.You have a negative PCR, negative antigen, negative antibody, negative combo test - I would say you have the best possible proof in the world to say you are HIV Negative. So relax and take it easy.
1. Low WBC is not a significant finding. It is more commonly found in many commonly occurring viral infections. No, this will not affect the pcr tests as this is a test looking for actual gene copies of the virus in your blood plasma.
2. Unless you have a persistent low WBC count, less than 3500 you need not worry. Low wbc could be a result of a general viral infection or a blood disorder rather than HIV.
3. No, low wbc counts have no impact on pcr testing for gene copies.
4. Yes, the above tests are enough and you should accept the fact that you are not infected with hiv.
Hope I have answered all your queries. Please feel free to ask clarifications via followup questions.
Thank you
Patient replied :
Dear Dr kruti,
Thanks for your kind reply, just one more clarification :
Can the low WBC result impact Elisa test result , CIMA tests or window period in general ?
Just for more information my WBC for the last year is always between
2.6 till 4.0 avg is 3.4. The doctor recommend Peripheral smear and it was done witness no issue reported.
Thank you again
Hello again. A low wbc cannot affect the window period or test results of any of the above. Your wbc counts appear to be normal and understand that there are lower variations in some individuals that are still considered normal in this range. Be assured that this is not cause for concern for you. Take care and be well.
Patient replied :
I am so sorry doctor and please accept my last concern,.. Actually my WBC is low around 2.6 now just checked yesterday. It's always low after that incident and the report says its leukopenia and I searched in the internet and one major cause of leukopenia is HIV I got too much worried now than before, even I have tested HIV and it's (-) antibody test.. So please let me know if my result is considered final not need to worry or the leukopenia May impact the window period of the virus? Appreciate your kind support and understanding
Very very very sorry for this
Hello,
I would really surprised (and shocked) if the low WBC is due to HIV in your case. Since all tests are negative it is less likely. However low WBC if persistent need evaluation. You will need further blood tests and a Bone marrow study. I would keep HIV last in the list of possible diagnosis. Please get in touch with a Hematologist / GP for evaluation of the WBC count. As a first step repeat the test and get a Peripheral Smear done.
Hope this helps
DO feel free to ask followup questions.
Thank you
Patient replied :
Dear Dr , yes test was done and it's nigative Negative PB smear : leukopenia No animea with normocytic, normochromic RBCs. Normal PLT count Abnormal immature cells are not seen. WBC :2.6low (4-10) RBC: 5.08 (3.5-6) Hemoglobin:16(12.-17) Hematocrit: 45.3 (36-52) MCV: 89.3(82-98) MCH:31.4(26-34) MCHC:35.3(31-37) Platelet count: 194 (150-450) TSH: 0.78 (0.34-5.60) FreeT4: 0.78 ( 0.58-1.64) T3: 89(65-150) Retlculocyte count: 0.9(0.2-2.5) with high bilirubin 1.4 (0.1-1.2) I forgot to say that three days before the test I took a medication antiinflmation and antibiotics for the swallen lymph node near my ear. I read in the internet that leukopenia can be caused by HIV in addition I have always swallen lymph node near my ear at my nick. Do you believe doctor after all this time I might be HIV + as I said I have done several tests almost a year!! That's all doctor, I really now got worried I will appreciate if you can really explain it to me and provide me with your consultation
Hello, You need to get in touch with a Internal Medicine Specialist / Haematologist for evaluation. You have isolated low WBC with HIV negative. So it is better evaluated by an expert in the field.
Thank you