Has Anyone Heard That Ra Can Cause False Positive Hiv And Other Std Test?

Question

Originally asked by Community Member FRAN

Has anyone heard that rheumatoid arthritis can cause false positive HIV and other STD tests? This happened to me! Pre-op blood work came back positive for HIV, so I went to the infectious disease doctor, was tested again, and it was negative this time with confirmatory testing. I even went as far as to have my six month old baby tested, which was negative. My doctor says RA can cause false positives. I have been tested again, and it was still negative. The doctor says that I need to have ONLY the confirmatory test done.

Answer

I’ve never heard of that, either. I can imagine it must’ve been quite scary for you! It sounds like you had enough tests to confirm that you’re negative that you should be able to relax now.

If you learn anything else, please let us know!

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You should know Answers to your question are meant to provide general health information but should not replace medical advice you receive from a doctor. No answers should be viewed as a diagnosis or recommended treatment for a condition.

Answered by: Lene Andersen

Published On: June 19, 2009