Hi everyone, I was wondering if anyone had any advice on this or any views, I know you cant tell whether you have hiv through a CBC, 7 weeks post exposure my doctor sent me for a blood test (not HIV test) because I was telling her about the lymph nodes being there for 5 weeks. (my doc dont know I think I may have HIV) the results came back normal, CBC was done done along with a protein level test and some other test too. If I had HIV or if my body was fighting an infection, would'nt it show up any abnormalities in the bloodwork?? any views anyone? My risk was low (unprotected receptive oral from a sex worker and deep kissing) but my symptoms are making me think otherwise. Any advice would be very much appreciated. Thanx

You had a pretty low-risk encounter, so chances are it's not HIV. However, to be certain, only an HIV test will show the results. You won't find any indicators from other blood tests.

Just to add, and here's where everyone goes crazy: you can't diagnose HIV through a CBC. What a CBC may show is that you may have an infection brewing and a dozen other things. It is important to note, however, that even if you have an elevation of white blood cells it, in no way, is indicative that you have HIV. So, for example, you may have the flu, an abcessed tooth, or a sinus infection and your white blood cells may be elevated. So, obviously, the only way to know your HIV status for sure is to be tested for HIV. Chris

The only thing that can be summarized about general blood cell counts related to HIV infection (NOTE that this is from what I have read) is that generally WBC count will fall in HIV infection whereas it will be elevated in most other infections. Note that this is not universally true but it is what I have read after reading a lot about HIV infection.... That being said you CANNOT use blood cell counts to diagnose HIV infection. You need to take an HIV antibody test at 13 weeks post exposure.

Hey guys thanks for your reply's very much appreciated, I was just trying to give myself some sort of hope and reassurance that i may not be HIV+, because right now Im totally convinced Ive got it due to the symtptoms, im just scared, dont know what to do, never been faced by a situation like this before. Again thanks for the replys.

Dear AAA: You'd think that sex workers would hand out brochures on the ways to contract HIV and then have you sign a waver if you want to participate in something riskier. Anway, you're being scared is just part of the path. Now, if this persists, then you simply need to go to the doctor thirteen weeks post exposure (suspected exposure, I might add) and get tested. It will greatly reduce your anxiety... chris

Thanks Cflas, the HIV test is the only thing left for me to do, Ive had the Chlamydia and Ghonnorea test done, they both came back negative, CBC for anemia and proetiens, that came back normal, going to the dentist today to see if I have any infections in my mouth which could be the reason to my enlarged nodes. I doubt they will find anything, so im just left with the HIV test, which I know is gonna turn out the way I dont want it to. im just too scared. If only I could find a reason why my nodes have been enlarged for 5 weeks now, It might give me some hope that I may not be HIV+, because I know my risks are very low, but then I say to myself why is all this happening for, Ive always had bad luck in life.