How reliable is the fourth-generation test for HIV?

Question

Hello doctor,

I had protected vaginal sex and unprotected oral sex with CSW (Community sex worker) and for peace of mind, I tested with HIV fourth generation duo combo (Ag/Ab) test and RT PCR (Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction) viral load test at 23 days from exposure. The fourth generation combo test came negative and RT-PCR viral load came below the detectable limit.

Can my test be conclusive?
Am I risk-free from HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com.

Protected sex is safe as far as risk of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is concerned. Insertive or sex has a negligible risk of transmission of HIV. As far as testing is concerned, only a four-week fourth generation HIV screening test is considered reliable. Though even that has to be followed up by a 12-week screening test for a conclusive result. RNA (Ribonucleic acid) PCR (polymerase chain reaction) is a very sensitive test early on after possible infection.

A negative test at 23 days is fairly conclusive. A fourth-generation HIV screening test has a window period ranging from 18 to 45 days. Whereas RNA PCR has a short window period of 9 to 13 days. Therefore both the tests taken together reliably excludes the risk of HIV.

I hope I have answered your question.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, I noted that. Your tests are conclusive and reliable. You do not have HIV.

I hope I have answered your question.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.