My son donated blood on 12/21/10. Yesterday he received test results on his blood from the American Red Cross. All tests were negative except for the HTLV-I/II Antibody Screen # 1. The HTLV-I/II Antibody Screen # 2 was negative. My son is 20 and is a college sophomore. I m not sure at what age he became sexually active. He claims that he has known his partners and has always used protection. If he were your son,what would you do to protect him? Should we have further blood work done? The American Red Cross Counselors said this was likely a false positive . About 5 days prior to donating blood my son had the flu vaccine. I m just nervous. I feel it must be serious if they are putting him on the deferred list. Please advise this worried mother. Many thanks!!!
Hello Dear. There are tests to detect antigen directly rather than antibodies. Like P24 antigen tests, PCR test etc., which detects viral antigen. So you need not worry about false positive or negative results. These tests are a bit costly, but it will give you conclusive evidence. Hence, discuss these tests with your doctor and ask your son to get it done. Also talk to your son about safe sex. Sex education is very much required nowadays for teenage child Chat Doctor.  It is better to avoid sex till you find a very faithful partner and then stick on to her and do not have anyone else. Better to get married at that time. Hope I have answered your question. Feel free to contact me if you have any more questions. I'll be glad to help you. All the besting warm regards