Is HIV antibody test conclusive at 53rd-day post-exposure?

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The test kits used to diagnose HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) are highly sensitive and specific. It gives accurate results. You can surely rely on your 53-day result. The majority of people who are infected with HIV, develop HIV antibodies by 4 to 6 weeks of exposure. I suggest you get a confirmatory HIV antibody test at three months of last unprotected exposure. The symptoms could be due to various reasons. Was there any complaint when you were diagnosed with HSV-1 (herpes simplex virus)? Hope your query is answered, but if you have any other query, please do not hesitate to ask or call anytime. Best wishes.

Hi, Welcome back to icliniq.com.

HIV RNA PCR is a highly sensitive test, but you just took the test at borderline. HIV takes around 11 to 14 days to appear in the blood if infected. The good part is, your 53-day fourth generation HIV test is negative. A fourth generation test can detect both HIV antigen and antibodies if present in the body. As I mentioned, majority (95 %) people who had exposure to HIV, if the test is performed at four to six weeks duration, will give a positive result if infected. Almost all people who are infected with HIV, develop HIV antibodies by three months. The WHO (World Health Organization) guidelines say that a confirmatory test needs to be performed at three months of unprotected exposure. As far as the symptoms are concerned, the acute phase manifests in some of the individuals with flu-like symptoms. Also, I want to emphasize that there are no specific symptoms or signs, which can lead to the diagnosis of HIV. It is only through testing for it. Hope I was able to answer your questions but feel free to ask or call anytime for any further query. Best wishes.

Hi, Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I have seen the reports (attachment removed to protect patient identity). In our clinics, most of the people come in the later stage of the infection with one or more presenting complaints. The actual duration of exposure and the diagnosis time is usually not very accurately revealed. However, the important point is that there are well-documented cases and also published in the medical literature for the cases, who have been diagnosed beyond eight weeks. But, such cases are now rare due to the availability of highly sensitive and specific diagnostic kits. But, the recommendations persists as already mentioned. I always advise my patients to get a three months test at least to be sure and be relieved of all stress. Hope your query is answered, but do not hesitate to ask or call anytime for any further information. Best wishes.