Crohn's Disease and HIV testing

Hello.

On Monday, March 30th, I went to a HIV clinic and took a rapid HIV test involving a finger prick of blood. The results were in 15 minutes and came back "reactive". It was a very faint line but the counselor said anything showing up there was evidence of HIV antibodies. I have Crohn's Disease and been on Remicade and Immuran for four years. When I asked about false positives, the counselor said he has never had one for this test. He also mentioned the center has not been using them very long. When I asked about false positive on other rapid tests, he mentioned he personally had two. One for Rheumatoid Arthritis and one for Lupus. As many here know, Remicade treats Rheumatoid Arthritis and both disorders are autoimmune disorders like Crohn's. I thought how its entirely possible in my small city, that this clinic, this counselor, with this rapid test, has never tested anyone with Crohn's Disease, let alone one on Remicade and Immuran. I tried to explain to him this but he kept repeating how accurate this rapid test was.

I am starting additional testing. I have been doing a lot of research on the subject this week. Most medical websites seem to back up the counselor's claim of the test's accuracy. But on peer to peer forums like this, you can find stories of people having difficulty with these tests. And sometimes VERY extensive testing is involved to get definitive answers.

Does anyone have any stories? I feel like if I am HIV positive, it would have been through low risk sexual behaviors. I know it is possible in these encounters though since low risk is still a risk. I am trying to be optimistic but preparing for the worst case scenario too. I know HIV is highly manageable but I am also worried how if I am positive, that Remicade will be a problem.

I guess I am just looking for support. I feel alone and confused. :-/

I can't comment on the tests or their accuracy but wanted to send out my support and prayers that it was a false positive. Try not to worry until you finish all the testing.
Please keep us posted and know we are all here for you to lean on!
Hugs!

Hi dexter jay, I have had a very personal experience with this testing and false positives. I was tested for HIV back in 2008. It was something my GYN recommended just to put a clear bill of health down officially. Instead I had a four month long nightmare with a positive result. My dr used the Elisa initially which came back positive. I then had the Western Blot and PCR test. Western blot was inconclusive and PCR was negative. The PCR was considered the definitive result but I was sent tor followup with a specialist. After getting my history and all my issues with my gut (I was not dx with Crohns at the time) I was sent for all the same tests an in addition they looked for rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. After everything came back fine the dr said to me. You need a gastro dr. You definitely don't have HIV but I believe you have inflammatory bowel as opposed to IBS. I was told these autoimmune diseases can most definitely trigger a false positive and I can no longer do elisa or western blot testing if I want to test again. I have to do DNA testing. And the dr nailed it cause 2 yrs later I had a massive flare and was officially dx with crohns.

Yeah, most definitely not the best time but by the time I was dx with crohns there was at least a sense of..ok..at least now I know why my body is a walking medical freak show!

Year ago, i had a indeterminate result and i was freaked out, later test kept showing negative but still do this day dont know what caused that test to do that in the first place. I plan on getting tested again after a year to be sure. Doctor said he thinks it could of been mixture of vaccines i had but he did not know. I dont know if i have crohns but maybe? Keep on getting tested there are more advanced test he can do to confirm your status. Let us know what happened.