Testing Times

‘It’s negative’ confirmed the nurse. I peered over her shoulder; yes, she was right, I could see no white dots of HIV antibodies in the blood. The other kit on the table proudly showed only one red line, just as the one in my office had – negative.

Our client was quiet. She began to smile as the news sunk in. As we parted company she was so happy she dashed me half her transport money home so I could buy a mineral. As she left she was singing to herself and walking with a new lightness of step.

Why am I recording this? What is special about this one lady?

Eleven months ago the same lady conducted some blood tests at another hospital. She was told she had tested positive for HIV. Since that time, almost one year ago, our lady had not conducted any further tests until she arrived in my office clutching her crumpled paper stating her positive status.

She told me she wanted to do the test again. I was reluctant and explained that we are unlikely to see a different result. But in the end I went ahead.

Thank god I did.

Her test was negative! Times three! This lady was told she was HIV positive after a mix up of blood samples. After receiving no counselling she was too scared to go for other tests that would have detected the error sooner. At least now her situation has been resolved. But what about the person who received our lady’s negative result in error?