My HIV testing at 11 weeks was negative. Should I retest at 12 weeks?

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I have gone through your query and have noted your concern. HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) antibody screening test is highly sensitive at four weeks and thereafter. It accurately detects a majority (95 % sensitivity) of HIV-infected patients. However, in case of a high-risk exposure such as unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex with a sex worker, it is advisable to retest at 12 weeks (99.9 % sensitive). The 12-week result is taken as conclusive although it is very rare that a negative result at four weeks would change to positive at 12 weeks.

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I do not think that it would turn positive so late. I have never seen that happen in my experience in healthy adults with an intact immunity. As I said, most of the HIV infected individuals will have a positive anti-HIV screening test by three to four weeks and only very rarely the antibody response is delayed, for example, in immunocompromised states or those on immunosuppressive drugs(steroids). Therefore a negative screening test at four weeks and any subsequent negative tests over the ensuing weeks should be followed up by a final 12 weeks screening test for HIV antibodies for a conclusive result to cover for those rare late seroconverters. Only a negative third-generation screening test for HIV antibody at 12 weeks is considered conclusive because those rare few individuals with immunodeficiency or on immunosuppressive treatment may develop a delayed antibody response by 12 weeks.