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Am I fine with a negative HIV tridot and immunochromatography test after 40 days of exposure?

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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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iCliniq medical review team

Published At August 12, 2022
Reviewed AtOctober 11, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am worried. I had an exposure three months ago and later on, I did a lab test which came negative. After that, I bought a finger prick test which came positive, and then a follow-up test showed negative. I did a tridot test after 40 days which came negative. After that, I did a lab test by method of immunochromatography lab test which also showed negative. My mind is killing me. Please tell me as per the description, am I okay?

Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com.

As one of your test results was positive, the only definitive conclusion would be by doing an ELISA (enzyme-linked immunoassay) test 12 weeks after d last exposure. Twelve weeks is the window period during which test results can be false negative. Also, u can get HBsAg, anti HCV(Hepatitis C Virus), and VDRL (Venereal Disease Research Laboratory) tests in addition. Kindly mention in detail the type of exposure like homo or heterosexual, whether a condom was used, and the mode of intercourse.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

I did a lab test immunochromatography and the tridot after 12 weeks. Still, I will go for ELISA. HBsAg was negative.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

The timing of the tests was not mentioned. If your tests are negative beyond 12 weeks and if there was no further exposure then it can be considered conclusive. No further testing would be required.

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

Dr. Rakesh Kumar Bahunuthula
Dr. Rakesh Kumar Bahunuthula

Dermatology

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