HomeAnswersInfectious DiseaseshivI did an HIV Ag/Ab test on the 46th day of exposure. Can the test results be considered conclusive?

Is the HIV Ag/Ab test conducted on the 46th day of exposure conclusive?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At October 8, 2023
Reviewed AtOctober 8, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I did an HIV ECLIA P24 Ag/Ab test on the 46th day of exposure. The result came as 0.25 non-reactive. My questions are:

  1. What does the value 0.25 stand for and do I have to be worried about this?
  2. Can I consider this test that I took to be conclusive or should I get tested again at 90 days or so?

Kindly suggest.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I hope this finds you well. I have addressed your concern and will reassure you. This result is negative. The number 0.25 (which is less than one and is considered negative) is related to HIV antibodies and antigen measurement. If you had encountered unprotected sexual activity, then you can get screened again three months and six months following the exposure. Since it can take up to six months for your body to make antibodies to the HIV virus. After that, you do not need to worry if your results are negative.

I hope I helped and reassured you.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you very much for your reply. I am a bit confused now. Is my result now after six weeks not conclusive? The testing method was Ag/Ab combination test done at a laboratory. Some government websites have suggested that six weeks with a test like this is affirmative. I have attached it for your reference. I have read many articles that say that antigens and antibodies are produced and detectable in 14 to 21 days. I also read that if the test is a normal antibody test, then we need to wait for 90 days. If the test is antibody/antigen then six weeks is the window period. I have not been on PEP too. Therefore, is it necessary to go for a test again at three and six months?

Please advise.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I hope this finds you well. I am sorry to confuse you. Your test results are negative, and that is reassuring, especially since you already have made the Ab/Ag post the window period. Therefore, you are negative, and you do not need to worry. If you had any unprotected or high-risk sexual activity after that, then you need to be screened again. If not, there is no need to be screened again because the fourth-generation HIV screening test, which is the combo Ab/Ag you have done, is enough because it was done at the right time. So you got it exactly right. And for future encounters, please be careful and always make sure to have protected sexual activity, especially if you do not know the status of your partner. I hope I reassured you and answered you.

Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Shahad Alshehri
Dr. Shahad Alshehri

Infectious Diseases

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