Can I trust HIV negative results 16 months post-exposure?

Question

Hi doctor,

I had visited a massage parlor one and a half years ago. The session ends with a hand job. The lady was fully clothed, and after hand, she gave me a hand job with oil in her hands for a body massage. There was no other sexual activity apart from hand to penis stimulation.

I was unable to check if she had any cuts on her hands. Later, due to worries, I did ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) third-generation antibody after four weeks and 12 weeks, all came negative.

Also did VDRL (venereal disease research laboratory), hepatitis B and C at four weeks and 12 weeks, which also came as negative.

After the 16th month of last exposure, I also did a CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments) HIV antibody test (test method immunochromatographic), which also came negative.

Now I have leg muscle aches for one month. I came to know about a couple of cases from the internet where the antibody test failed to detect HIV for two years. I am very much worried. Are my negative results 100 percent conclusive?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

It seems that your risk is unwarranted in this scenario as there was no exchange of body fluids. HIV 9human immunodeficiency virus) can only be transmitted through active sexual contact with HIV infected persons or blood transfusions, or with the exchange of contaminated syringes or needles.

I could not see any such scenario in the exposure details that you mentioned. Your HIV negative tests on both occasions (as expected) are another assuring point in your case. It is excellent that your other STIs (sexually transmitted infections) tests are also negative.

The long incubation period, which you are worried about, is valid only for those with prolonged high-dose immunosuppressive therapy, not in the scenario you mentioned.

You can surely relax and move forward. I could not see any worrisome situation in your description. If this were the only exposure, and there is no further exposure, your tests are reliable. Leg pain could have various causes. Get Vitamin D3 and B12 levels, fasting blood sugar, HbA1c, and thyroid profile.

Take care.