Is a negative test result enough to rule out HIV infection?

Question

Hello doctor,

I had unprotected vaginal and oral sex with a sex worker three weeks ago. I do not know her HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) status, although she said she is clean. Exactly seven days after my exposure, I feel something wrong with my body, as it is feeling uncomfortable.

I had oral thrush, loss of appetite, swollen lymph nodes in my neck, body aches, needle-like pain all over my body, and night sweats, although no fever, but I can feel the temperature is high; it is 98.5-99.3 degrees for the next couple of days. So I suspected that I got infected with HIV.

Due to anxiety, I took the HIV antibody test on the 9th day of my exposure, which I know is a bit early, and it came out negative. But then on the 10th day (exactly after 9 days and 10 hours), I took an HIV-1 RNA (ribonucleic acid) TMA (thrombotic microangiopathy) test, which they said is 95-99% accurate in 9-11 days after exposure. I got the result yesterday: negative, no HIV-1 RNA detected.

Now, still I am in confusion because I am 100% sure I got infected with HIV. I do not know if these tests are conclusive or not. I do not have the guts to do another test.

Please help. And also some of my symptoms are gone, but I discovered some additional ones, like pain in my kidneys, lower abdomen, and chest; joint pain; and extreme fatigue for two to three days.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through the details and reports (attachment removed to protect patient identity).

All the tests being negative is a good sign. The chances of transmission of HIV by unprotected intercourse with an HIV positive person are too low. If negative, it is nil. You can allay fears. HIV RNA PCR is negative and is a good sign. It is almost conclusive. The chances of tests coming positive later are nil. But it is better to get tested for HIV-1 and -2 antibodies after three months to have conclusive results.

I hope this helps.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

RNA PCR is a very sensitive test. It can detect itself as early as four days but is considered sensitive after 10 days. The symptoms are nonspecific and can be due to any simple respiratory infection. It does not suggest HIV. HIV is diagnosed by tests. The chances of tests coming back positive later are nil. But better go for a conclusive test after three months to relieve your anxiety.

I hope this helps.