Q. HIV test is negative at 12 weeks. Should I repeat the test at six months?

Answered by Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti.

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Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I had unprotected sex with a sex worker and after exactly 12 weeks of exposure, I did an HIV 1 and 2 antibodies and HIV 1 and 2 P24 combo test. It came negative. But, some guidelines advise repeating the test after six months. Should I consider my test conclusive or test again after six months of exposure? Please solve my problem. I am very anxious.

Doctor's Answer

Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti
MBBS ., DVD., MD COMMUNITY MEDICINE
Community Medicine, Dermatology, HIV/AIDS Specialist, Preventive Medicine, Venereology

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

HIV antibodies are formed two to six weeks post exposure. Three months is the latest time given. If the antibodies tests are negative after three months of exposure, then it is conclusive that you are free from HIV, provided there is no further risky exposure.

You need not worry about the six months references. You can allay fears of HIV.

For more information consult a community medicine physician online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/community-medicine-physician

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

What about the P24 combo test? Its index value is 0.1 after 12 weeks of exposure.

Doctor's Answer

Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti
MBBS ., DVD., MD COMMUNITY MEDICINE
Community Medicine, Dermatology, HIV/AIDS Specialist, Preventive Medicine, Venereology

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Do not worry about the index value. The negative result is important.

P24 with antibodies tests (combo or Duo) test is also very significant one month after exposure. It is conclusive three months after exposure.

For more information consult a community medicine physician online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/community-medicine-physician

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My last question. So, my HIV 1 and 2 antibodies screening test was negative and HIV P24 combo test is also negative after 12 weeks. And I have uploaded the reports. You said that three months report is conclusive, but my report is exactly after 85 days of exposure. So, can I completely forget about HIV? Because after the exposure I suffered from jaundice and some itching. Now my jaundice is alright.

Doctor's Answer

Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti
MBBS ., DVD., MD COMMUNITY MEDICINE
Community Medicine, Dermatology, HIV/AIDS Specialist, Preventive Medicine, Venereology

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I have gone through your reports (attachment removed to protect patient identity).

If the results are negative after three months, it is conclusive. 85 days is 12 weeks. In my opinion, it is 'negative' for HIV.

If you still have fears, then go for HIV antibodies tests after 90 days.

Jaundice does not alter the test results.

For more information consult a community medicine physician online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/community-medicine-physician

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

I do not have any fear now. I believe in your opinion. So, I am not going for another test. Your opinion is that negative result at 85 days is conclusive. So, I believe in your opinion. Thank you again.

Doctor's Answer

Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti
MBBS ., DVD., MD COMMUNITY MEDICINE
Community Medicine, Dermatology, HIV/AIDS Specialist, Preventive Medicine, Venereology

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Thank you. Wish you safe and good health.

For more information consult a community medicine physician online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/community-medicine-physician

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Q. HIV test is negative at 12 weeks. Should I repeat the test at six months?

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