[Question #11458] HIV testing

14 months ago

Hi if I took a hiv rna test at 14 days and it was negative then a hiv 4th gen lab test at 21 days it was negative then a hiv rna and 4th gen lab test at 28 days both negative then a 4th gen lab test at 42 days and it was negative would this be considered conclusive? Today on day 47 I woke up with a slight sore throat and yesterday felt like I was producing a lot of saliva. My encounter was vaginal intercource I was wearing a condom then when I pulled out the condom got stuck. I’m worried because I’m not sure of the status of the other person it was a one night fling.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

14 months ago

Welcome to our forum. Thank you for your question and for your confidence in our service. I’ll be glad to comment.

The encounter you described is low risk for acquisition of HIV or any other STI. Most people do not have STI and, even when they do, single exposures rarely result in transmission. More importantly however, you have absolutely conclusively proven that you did not acquire HIV from the exposure you describe. HIVPCR tests provide conclusive results anytime more than 11 days after an exposure. Thus, PCR tests at days 14 and 28 both prove that you were not infected. In addition the fourth generation combination HIV antigen/antibody test that you had at day 42 also proves conclusively that you were not infected. There is no doubt about this. You can move forward without any concern about HIV from the casual encounter you described.

Also, as an FYI, when condoms are left behind in a partner’s vagina as a man removes his penis after sex, the condom has done its work, and as long as it has not broken the fact that it comes off and remains in the vagina, typically partially hanging out, does not represent Risk for infection

I suspect that the symptoms of sore throat and increased amounts of saliva you were experiencing result from one of the occasional community acquired throat infections that we all acquire from time to time.

I hope this information is helpful to you. I see no reason for further testing and no reason for concern. EWH.

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14 months ago

Thank you for your input I need to stay away from Reddit and quora lol they give so many mixed signals and one last thing what would be the odds if you were a betting man that I would turn positive later on just to clear my anxiety due to Reddit and quota reading

Edward W. Hook M.D.

14 months ago

I’m not a bettor but, if I were, I’d bet everything I have that you did not get HIV from the encounter you described. I urge you to put any concerns you might have about HIV from that encounter behind you. EWH---

14 months ago

Thank you sir. I’ll definitely take your expertise on this subject makes me feel a lot better.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

14 months ago

I'm glad I could help. Take care. This completes this thread. EWH---