Is a 120-day HIV test conclusive and accurate?

Question

Hello doctor,

After how many days does a normal person (22 years old) suffering from all symptoms and just having tested for HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) 1 and 2 and a tri-dot test with a negative result at 120 days develop antibodies? I have had symptoms since day 10. Is my test at 120 days conclusive? I tested that six months back, and I am very worried about HIV. Will I die with it? Or is it a normal virus that can be controlled? Is the result of a 120-day test accurate? Please provide information, as I am suffering from lots of tensions. I gained weight in the last two months. I have stretch marks on my body with pimples and headaches. There is a blood vessel break in my eye, and it is like a red dot. Should I get a test for HIV again? Or else should I relax?

Kindly suggest.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Antibodies are the proteins produced by the body in response to fighting the foreign substance (antigen, virus, or infectious agent) that enters the body. When an antigen enters the body, it stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies. It is very difficult to tell how much time a particular person takes to develop antibodies. Your negative HIV antibody test at 120 days means that 99.9% of your body has not been exposed to HIV. The test kits used these days are highly sensitive and specific and give accurate results. A 120-day HIV-negative test is highly conclusive of your negative HIV status. But I think that you are not letting it go. The symptoms are more likely due to stress.

There are very rare cases reported in the literature where the person has been exposed to antigen, but the time taken by the body to produce detectable antibodies was longer, up to six months. There are recommendations, and I also suggest to my patients to repeat the test at six months, and if that is negative, you need not repeat it further.

I hope I have answered your question.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.