Spectrum: Local Antimicrobial Stewardship, for Yangon Children's Hospital

Negative HIV Antibody Test

Diagnosis

HIV unlikely unless still breastfeeding

  • The risk of HIV transmission remains as long as breastfeeding continues

  • If the 9 months antibody testing is conducted earlier than 3 months after cessation of breastfeeding, infections acquired in the last days of breastfeeding may be missed

    • Retesting at 18 months should be ensured for final assessment of HIV status

Follow-Up

Repeat antibody test at 18 months of age or 3 months after cessation of BF or whichever is later

  • If breastfeeding beyond 18 months, final diagnosis of HIV status can only be assessed at the end of breastfeeding

  • If breastfeeding ends before 18 months, final diagnosis of HIV status with antibody testing can only be assessed at 18 months

  • Antibody testing should be undertaken at least 3 months after cessation of breastfeeding (to allow for development of HIV antibodies)

  • For infants <18 months of age, positive antibody testing requires NAT to confirm infection

  • If infant is >18 months, negative antibody testing confirms infant is uninfected; positive antibody testing confirms infant is infected