I apologize I never responded to Dr. Handsfield's previous response. I was really trying to take the advice to heart and not ask any repetitive anxiety fueled questions. But by the time my anxiety settled, I had missed the window to respond.

Anyway, a quick recap. 90 days ago I received an unprotected blowjob and vaginally fingered a female of unknown status and I began taking PrEP (Truvada) 6 days after the exposure. I didn't take it as PEP, I just took it because of irrational HIV fear. As of yesterday I have officially stopped taking Truvada so that I may get a conclusive HIV test from this exposure. Should I wait 4 or 6 weeks before taking a 4th generation test to get a conclusive result?

Whatever you tell me to do, I'll do it and I'll stop with my anxiety. Thank you!

I agree you overreacted, based on the risks implied by the exposures you describe. Unfortunately, there are no good data on how long valid testing is delayed in circumstances like this. I agree that negative results of HIV testing while taking antiretroviral drugs like Truvada should not be trusted. Most experts feel that a negative AgAb test a week or two after the last dose of drug is valid, but because of the uncertainty usually advise final conclusive testing 6 weeks after the last dose.

However, I don't necessarily recommend this for you, given the virtual zero risk of the exposure in the first place. If I put it in personal terms, if somehow I were in your situation, I wouldn't be tested at all and would be continuing unprotected sex with my wife without worry.

Sorry that better data aren't available to give you a more conclusive reply. But I hope these comments are helpful.

HHH, MD