Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Six months ago, I had a very brief unprotected sex with a community sex worker (CSW). I did a fourth-generation combo test on the 48th day and 86th days. It was negative in both cases, and it covers the 12-week window period. Should I consider this conclusive?
I read in some forums that in rare to rare cases, sometimes six months of testing is required. Please help. Have you ever heard of anyone getting infected because of too many HIV testing? I got tested by an internationally reputed laboratory. My last test was post-22 weeks of exposure.
Can anyone develop the virus after five months of exposure even though the tests were negative? Who is included in the rarest case that needs to be tested after six months? I am asking these because for the past many days, I had needle pricking in my body, and also I have a bit of pain here and there in the body.
For the past few days, I have been having a fluctuating mild fever. Should I call myself 90 % conclusive or 100 % conclusive? Request you to resolve my queries at the earliest. Because of this stress, I feel like killing myself. I need to know what is wrong with me. Is it a case of anxiety itself?
Please guide.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
The antibody tests after 12 weeks post-exposure are conclusive, provided there is no further risk exposure. You can allay fears of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). There is no further need for HIV tests. I can make out your anxiety. There is nothing to worry about if your antibody tests have come negative after 12 weeks of exposure. The tests are conclusive. The chances of tests coming positive later are nil, provided there is no further risk of exposure.
Needle pricks in reputed laboratories are not a risk at all. They are all sterilized. You need not worry. The symptoms are likely due to anxiety. You can consult a psychiatrist or psychologist for counseling if your symptoms persist and you have suicidal feelings. There is nothing to worry about HIV. You are not infected. You can do some exercises, yoga, and meditation. Get involved in an activity of your interest. Forget the episode and lead a normal life.
I hope this information helps you.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
When I tested for HIV after 7 weeks, 12 weeks, and 22 weeks post-exposure, the result came back negative. Yesterday, in an online forum, I read a guy stating that he was negative at three and six months and then became positive at nine months. However, he did not state what the risk was and what kind of test did he take. Reading this has freaked me out completely and made me tense. What would be the case with that guy?
How can two reports come negative and one positive? How reliable is the fourth-generation Duo test? Also, a doctor had mentioned in that forum that the window period is nine months. Is it true? Can seroconversion take such a long time? What do your experience and official HIV guidelines state in my case? Should I be 100 % relieved with my last 22-week test? I just want to get rid of this worry.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
The antibodies tests and Duo tests are conclusive by three months. It can come positive in very rare cases like those on anticancer or immunosuppressive drugs for severe immunosuppressive disease. It is not possible in your case. He might have been exposed to HIV again, so it might have come positive. A false positive result is rare and can be confirmed by further tests. Your tests are repeatedly negative, so you can allay fears totally. You are free from HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). You can forget the episode and lead a normal and safe life.
Wish you good health.
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Answered byDr. Basti Bharatesh Devendra
Medically reviewed byDr. K. Shobana
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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