Q. HIV test is negative at 12 weeks. Should I repeat the test at six months?
Answered by Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti and medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team.
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.
Related Questions:
• There was blood on my finger after a scuffle. Is this a risk for HIV?
• Is it possible to have hairy leukoplakia three months after risky sexual activity?
• Please explain about the CMIA test for HIV testing.
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
Thank you doctor,
What about the P24 combo test? Its index value is 0.1 after 12 weeks of exposure.
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
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.
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
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.
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
Related Questions & Answers
Query: Hello doctor,I had sex with a prostitute and not sure if she has HIV or not. However, I have used a condom as a protection. Now, do I need to do an HIV test to check? Read Full »
Dermatologist, HIV AIDS Specialist, Venereologist
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have noted your concern. Protected sex is safe and there is no risk of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). Regards. For more information consult an HIV AIDS specialist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/HIV-AIDS-specialist Read Full »
Query: Hello doctor, I am a 25-year-old boy. I had a partner for past 2 to 3 years. We performed sex 6 to 7 times. Last was before 14 months and then had a break-up. Now I see that she is HIV positive. Now I fear about HIV because there is high risk and I want to marry another girl. My symptoms are a sore... Read Full »
Family Physician, General Practitioner, Hematologist, Pathologist
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I can understand your concern. Do not worry, I will solve your doubt. After around one year almost any test can rule out HIV conclusively. So rapid test is reliable and no need for further testing. But still, you have investigated with chemilumiscence test that gives re... Read Full »
Query: Hi doctor, I am 32 years old. I am on PEP that has to be taken for 28 days. I got my first dose around 40 hours of being contracted to HIV. PEP is not 100 % secure. My question is if I am lucky and the result shows HIV negative after the therapy, how often do I need to get antibody tested if luck s... Read Full »
HIV AIDS Specialist
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. The answers to your queries are: For PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) efficacy, adherence to the medications prescribed for PEP is the most important thing. PEP is really efficacious, To the best of my clinical practice, I have not seen any case of a patient who has comp... Read Full »
Most Viewed
Can transvaginal scan cause spotting during pregnancy?
Hi doctor, I have a history of recurrent early miscarriage (before seven weeks). Investigations pointed to high autoimm ...Read more »
My hairline has reduced. Should I opt for Ayurveda, homeopathy, or other alternative medicine?
Hello doctor, I am a 40-year-old male. For past five to six years my hairline has reduced drastically, a kind of patter ...Read more »
How to Grow Thick and Dark Eyelashes - Uses | Work | Effective | Precautions | Side Effects
Women use mascaras, artificial eyelashes, and a lot of other cosmetic products to make their eyelashes look long, thick, ...Read more »