[Question #10897] Hiv Risk from brief exposure
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18 months ago
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I was in thailand and had a brief unprotected vaginal sex exposure for about 2 minutes. The woman was not a sex worker, she also assured me she didn't have hiv and even showed a negative test she said she got after splitting with her boyfriend. I have been tested for chlamydia and gonnrea at 1 week and were negative. I also got a rapid finger prick hiv blood test while traveling in nz at 26 days. My question is, do I need further testing from an hiv testing point of view and how accurate would the test be at 26 days? I think it was an insti rapid test but not 100% sure, the guy said it was the latest version however. Also, seems to still be advise from government/health authorities to have to wait 3 months. Is this still relevant and if I need another test, when can I get a final test done? Thank you so much.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
18 months ago
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Welcome to the Forum. Thanks for your questions. There are many unknowns here but I'll try to help.
Your tests for gonorrhea and chlamydia are conclusive. No need for additional testing.
Your risk for HIV from the exposure you describe is low. Based on both what she said and the test results she showed, your partner was unlikely to be infected . Further, most exposures to HIV infected partners do not result in infection- less than 1 per thousand encounters, on average. Your test results add to my confidence that you are not infected. INSTI makes several types of tests including a 4th generation, combination HIV antigen/antibody test which detects well over 99% of recent infections at 28 days following an exposure. If you want to be sure and verify that you were not infected, I would suggest a repeat 4th generation test at 6 weeks- at that time results will be 100% conclusive and you can certainly move on without concern (personally, I would not be concerned now). Recommendations that only testing after 3 months is conclusive are out of date.
Hope this helps. EWH
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18 months ago
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Thank you very much. So from a practical perspective, do you think I need a further hiv test? Further to this, how do I know the test will be 4th generation or are basically all tests 4th generation now? Also, how accurate was my test at 26 days? Thank you very much, those are my last questions.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
18 months ago
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Without knowing whether your test was a test for antibodies only (3rd generation, no longer the preferred test) your results at 28 days are 70-80% conclusive, if a 4th generation, as I said above, results would be >99% conclusive. Most tests performed in Western Europe and North America today are 4th generation tests.
Were I you, given the information you have provided , I would not test further and move forward. If you remain concerned, a repeat test no using a 4th generation test, would provide virtually conclusive results.
If you ask what kind of HIV test your having (i.e. a test for antibodies plus HIV antigen or a test for antibodies only), the person ordering the test should be able to tell you.
EWH
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18 months ago
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Thank you. Really sorry, I read an insti multiplex hiv finger prick test which is used in nz is only 3rd generation. Would this be right? It looks like a self test kit and was a finger prick.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
18 months ago
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It is certainly possible this was a 3rd generation test although I believe INSTI also makes a 4th generation test .
I really think you are worrying more than you need to. EWH
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18 months ago
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Thank you and I agree. So, say it was a third generation test, would you still say I don't need further testing from a practical point of view? No more questions from me I promise
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
18 months ago
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yes I would.
As you know, we provide up to three responses to each client's questions. This thread will be closed now. Please don't worry. EWH
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