My question is are those results reliable? And also, when should I test after PEP?  I know some experts say PEP doesn’t interfere with HIV Test Accuracy or Window Period. But it’s debatable. The rapist also supposedly gives plasma 2x a week for extra money but idk whether to believe that or not. 

So sorry if the questions are dumb, I’m just traumatized and freaking out. 

Carefully conducted research shows that PEP reduces the risk for acquistion of HIV following exposure to an untreated HIV infected encounter.  Without PEP, on average, fewer than 1 in 1000 women exposed to an untreated HIV infected partner will acquire HIV.  PEP reduces that risk, on average, about 90%, reducing the 99.9% chance that you would not be infected if you did not take PEP to close to 99.99% and is more effective the sooner it is started.  The research suggests that PEP started more than 72 hours after exposure does not meaningfully further reduce the risk for infection.  Recommendations for testing suggest that testing with a 4th generation, combination HIV antigen/antibody test will be conclusive 6 weeks (42-45 days) after an exposure.  More limited data suggest that with the more sensitive HIV RNA PCR test, results are conclusive about 11-12 days after exposure.  Beyond the time that a person is taking PEP, whether or not PEP further prolongs the time needed for conclusive results is debatable but it is unlikely that it does.  

Your test results at the time you had swollen lymph nodes certainly proves that the lymph node swelling was NOT due to HIV- when symptoms are due to HIV, tests are always positive. They do not however overrule the 6 week time to entirely conclusive results because asymptomatic infection can occasionally occur.

If the person who assaulter you donates plasma, then he is tested regularly for HIV

Overall, your risk for having acquired HIV is quite small.  I say this because of your test results, because of your PEP, and because of what you say about your attacker donating plasma.  

I hope that this information is helpful.  EWH

So I’m assuming in your expert opinion you believe my PEP is effective? & can I set up an appointment for May 12-15 (4th Gen) which would be 6 weeks or a little over post exposure and almost 2 weeks Post PEP (took last dosage today)? 

Also would you count my RNA test as reliable? Even though it was 8 days Post Exposure and I was on PEP for 4-5 days at the time. 

In my opinion, it is quite unlikely that you have acquired HIV from the assault you mention.  I base this on this figures I listed above, that you took PEP, and that you told me it is your understanding that your attacker donates plasma, making it unlikely he has HIV.  The testing you have had also supports this although to meet the agreed upon standard for testing with an expectation of conclusive results, you need to either have an other PCR test 11-12 days AFTER you finish PEP or with a 4th generation test 6 weeks AFTER you finish PEP.  

EWH

I was wondering why Dr Hunter says tests after PEP aren’t conclusive until 3-4 months while you say 2 weeks for HIV RNA PCR (which I’ve ordered and scheduled for May 14) or 6 weeks with 4th Gen. 

 My comments about the PCR tests is based on the fact that these tests give more rapidly (ant 11-12 days). PCR tests are not as widely used as the 4th generation tests.  

We provide up to three responses to each clients questions. This is my third response. This completes this thread. Take care, please don’t worry. EWH.