Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Eleven weeks ago, I had unprotected intercourse with two female prostitutes. I do not doubt the condom, as I remember taking it off (we used two different condoms for oral and vaginal sex). Still, in the second encounter, I clearly remember the partner placing the condom on me, but I remember taking it off, which brought up a lot of anxiety.
After this encounter, I had a rapid test at six weeks followed by a quick fourth-generation test at eight weeks; I then did another rapid fourth-generation test at ten weeks, which came back negative. Should I get tested again?
Kindly help.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
Thank you for your query.
The combination of the HIV 4th generation test is a test to detect acute HIV infection, and the time is reduced from 45 to 90 days to as early as 15 to 45 days because it uses the p24 antigen, which appears in the blood after ten days of exposure if you are infected. So, after these many negative tests with the 4th generation, you cannot be infected, so there is a need for further tests.
I hope this has helped you. Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for your reply.
Would it be fine for me to ask a couple more questions I have had about HIV?
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Sexual transmission has only one in 10,000 acts. HIV is not an easy infection to spread. Yes, you may ask your questions.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for your reply.
I have been told by many specialists how difficult it is to acquire HIV. Why do some places consider HIV tests conclusive at six weeks and some consider them conclusive at twelve weeks?
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Tests and procedures are the same, but the procedures can differ.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for your reply.
What does that mean? Can you please explain?
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Any infection is ruled out only by detection of antibodies in the body and they remain conclusive based in presence or absence of antibodies.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for your reply.
I know, but how come some places consider the time to create enough antibodies to be different?
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
If any laboratory declares you negative before the stipulated period, consider exposure (some persons may hide the actual truth). So, everyone advises repeating testing after 90 days to rule out serological antibodies. The period you are asking about is called the window period. It is the period between exposure and the detection of antibodies in the body.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for your reply.
Here the window period is considered six weeks and not 12 weeks, which caused me some confusion.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Virus strains are more, and every place has its own rules based on an adaption of the HIV program in that place.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for your reply.
But how can my tests be conclusive if they were taken before the 90-day mark? Is it due to the fourth-generation test?
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
In some places, it is hard to change the window period. It remains six months, later it became three months, and lately, they use 45 days.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for your answer.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Just remember, there are advances in the field, and maybe, after a few years, they will use proviral DNA tests to detect HIV in less than ten days. So, as of now, the fourth-generation test is best. It can be seen as early as 15 days, and you are free of infection. Test sensitivity and specificity are good, but acceptance is what changes the modalities and literature.
I hope this has helped you.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for your reply.
Thank you for the reassurance with a 10-week negative report.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
You are welcome.
Was this conversation helpful?
Answered byDr. Kiran Anaparthi
Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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