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Are combo HIV test results reliable for a patient who has had recent HIV exposure?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At September 17, 2022
Reviewed AtOctober 12, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I got a massage from a female four years ago. When she sat on my thighs, I felt a sharp pain for a few seconds, but when she got off, I did not have any pain. I am 99 % certain that this is not a needle prick. Why would a therapist try to infect me by sitting on my thighs with a needle in his pocket? I have not seen any blood, but as we know, 45 days are conclusive for a combo test for any exposure, and my test is on the 52nd day. So am I completely safe regarding this exposure, whether there is blood or not? I have undergone the HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) test in a laboratory. Are their results reliable?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have reviewed the reports (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity). It seems that it is nonreactive. As there was no penetrative sex, there is a very low risk of exposure. So, you are safe. You do not need to undergo any further tests. The accuracy of the test is 99.6 to 99.9 %.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor for the reply,

Do laboratory error occurs? It has been more than a year. I do not know why am I concerned, but I suspect the authenticity of the result. Am I wrong?

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

It is a very sensitive matter. Do not worry because you are safe.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor for the reply,

How soon can clinicians rule out infection? As per the study, laboratory testing using antigen or antibody detects HIV infection sooner than other available tests that detect only antibodies. Suppose a person gets a laboratory-based antigen or antibody test 45 days after a possible HIV exposure, and the result is negative. In that case, follow-up testing can begin 45 days after the possible exposure. If somehow the message therapist wants to infect me with a needle in her pocket, can I conclude that I am HIV-free irrespective of the risk at the time of exposure?

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

You are completely safe because blood is the only thing that can be evaluated for HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor for the reply,

If I have any high risk of exposure and my test comes negative, do I need to undergo the test again? I mean single test after the window period is enough.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, the test can be done after three to six months. However, I do not suggest more than two tests.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Shah Sushma Kant
Dr. Shah Sushma Kant

HIV/AIDS specialist

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