Common "Hiv Testing" queries answered by top doctors | iCliniq

Hiv Testing

There are different tests available to detect HIV. They may test for antibodies alone or antibodies as well as p24 antigens from blood, saliva or urine of the person. While some tests may give immediate results, some require more time, up to a few weeks.

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All the answers published in this website are written by verified medical doctors, therapists and health experts. The Content has been moderated by iCliniq medical review team before publication. Post your medical clarifications on iCliniq by choosing the right specialty and get them answered. Your medical queries will be answered 24/7 by top doctors from iCliniq.

My HIV RNA early detection detection and fourth-generation tests are negative. Is it conclusive?

Query: Hello doctor, I had protected sex with a girl, and after two weeks, I had anxiety, light sore throat, and weakness. I took an HIV(Human Immunodeficiency Virus) RNA (Ribonucleicacid) early detection test on day 15 from possible exposure, and on day 25, the fourth generation antigen-antibody combo tes...  Read Full »


Dr. Basti Bharatesh Devendra

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. The tests are almost conclusive, provided there is no further risk exposure. The chances of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) tests coming positive later are almost nil. It would be better to go for an HIV antibodies test after three months of exposure to be relieved ...  Read Full »

I have been anxious about HIV for the past year. Please help.

Query: Hi doctor,I have been stressing about HIV for the last 12 months. My last exposure was 12 months ago, and I have done plenty of tests since then. I did three antibody self-tests 5 months after exposure. I was not sure how to interpret them as they only showed one visible line, which essentially mean...  Read Full »


Dr. Basti Bharatesh Devendra

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have reviewed your medical history and understand your concerns. If the HIV antibodies test, conducted in a reliable laboratory after 90 days of exposure, is negative, then it is conclusive, provided there is no further risk exposure. Repeatedly negative tests afte...  Read Full »

Kindly clear my doubts regarding HIV test.

Query: Hi doctor,My plan is to take an HIV test tomorrow after an exposure that happened 84 days ago. I have two questions:Is 84 days enough to take the test? My doctor told me that I must take the test after 90 days since there may be a risk of HIV 2. So is 84 days enough for both HIV 1 and HIV2?I have be...  Read Full »


Dr. Basti Bharatesh Devendra

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I can understand your concern. It would be better if you go for an HIV antibody test after 90 days of exposure rather than after 84 days to obtain conclusive results so that you can be relieved of anxiety totally. As per protocol better go after 90 days and...  Read Full »

I want to know when HIV can be found in blood. Please help.

Query: Hello doctor, What is the period that the HIV will be detected in blood by using available test methods? Please give minimum and maximum period details. Thanks.  Read Full »


Dr. Basti Bharatesh Devendra

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I understand your concern. HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) can be detected by some tests as early as four days of exposure if negative conclusive results suggest HIV negative after three months of exposure. I hope this information will help you. Thanks.   Read Full »

Should I retest for HIV after 6 months of exposure?

Query: Hi doctor, I had unprotected sex with a sex worker and after exactly 12 weeks of exposure, I did an HIV 1 and 2 antibodies and HIV 1 and 2 P24 combo test. It came negative. But, some guidelines advise repeating the test after six months. Should I consider my test conclusive or test again after six m...  Read Full »


Dr. Basti Bharatesh Devendra

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. HIV antibodies are formed two to six weeks post exposure. Three months is the latest time given. If the antibodies tests are negative after three months of exposure, then it is conclusive that you are free from HIV, provided there is no further risky exposure. You ne...  Read Full »

I had a runny nose and sore throat after protected sex. Why?

Query: Hi doctor, I had a protected sex with a spa girl ten days back and after three days I started getting a runny nose and a sore throat. On the sixth day of the exposure, I went to STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) clinic. They asked me to do an HIV(Human Immunodeficiency Virus) PCR(Polymerase chain R...  Read Full »


Dr. Basti Bharatesh Devendra

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. The chances of transmission of HIV by protected intercourse is nil if the condom is used in a right manner. The HIV tests are repeatedly negative especially the PCR at 11 days combo or duo test after one-month exposure. With the given description and test results, the cha...  Read Full »

Do white tongue and low lymphocyte levels indicate an HIV infection?

Query: Hi doctor, I had unprotected vaginal sex two years ago. A few months after that incident, I underwent a few tests that I have mentioned below, I underwent an HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) rapid test, and the results were negative. I did an HIV CMIA (Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immuno Assay) ...  Read Full »


Dr. Basti Bharatesh Devendra

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Thank you for contacting us on icliniq.com. The HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) antibody tests are repeatedly negative after three months of exposure, so do not worry about HIV. They are conclusive, provided there is no further risk of exposure. So, there is no need fo...  Read Full »

My HIV self test came positive. What shall I do? Kindly guide

Query: Hello doctor, I tested with a third generation test which was a self-test using a finger prick. It was called a sure-check HIV self-test. I could not interpret the result, as I saw the control line, but as for the test line, it was not there. I only saw the shade of it, or maybe an actual red color ...  Read Full »


Dr. Basti Bharatesh Devendra

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com I read your query and understand your concern. The HIV fourth generation antibodies test negative result after six months last exposure is conclusive provided there is no further risk exposure. There is no need for further HIV tests. I hope this helps. Thank you.   Read Full »

Could I be having HIV even if my test reports are negative?

Query: Hello doctor, It has been 22 months since my last exposure to HIV. I had done the TRI-DOT test, and comb AIDS test eight months after exposure to HIV, but they were negative. However, I have been having symptoms such as slight ear pain and sore throat for the past six months. And also, I get cold ea...  Read Full »


Dr. Basti Bharatesh Devendra

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Thank you for your query. I understand your concern. If the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibodies test is negative after three months of last exposure, it is conclusive, provided there is no further risk exposure. The attached report (attachment removed to p...  Read Full »

I had unprotected sex with an unknown woman. Will I get HIV?

Query: Hello doctor, I had unprotected sex with an unknown woman hardly for a minute about a month back. After about four days, I got cold and a kind of sore throat, but not exactly sore throat. I got tested for HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) after 15 days and it came back negative. Now, for the past o...  Read Full »


Dr. Basti Bharatesh Devendra

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. The chance of transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) by single unprotected intercourse with a HIV positive person is 1/200 to 1/1000. It is very low. She may be negative, so she might have asked it. Probably, the test done was antibodies tests. It is considere...  Read Full »

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