[Question #11771] Conclusiveness

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12 months ago
My final query. I apologise for what may be deemed as anxiety driven. I realize I had very little risk, but tested for reassurance. Would like to close this.
Had results back over the last two days.
For peace of mind, I tested syphilis IGM/IGG by EIA - although I did self prescribe doxy pep and cefixime (more for gonnohrea fear)
This was 33 days from feared incident of possible vaginal fluid in eyes. How accurate is this test? I understand 10 days from 6 weeks. 
As previously stated, went down the HIV rabbit hole although dr HH told me this was essentially zero risk - no recorded cases in this manner.
I went to a private clinic in UK and had a 4th generation rapid test and the RNA test. Read many times here that both at 4 weeks are conclusive. Although 6 for AgAb alone. I took the rapid as the clinic said 99 percent accurate at 26 days and I wanted the immediate result. Nevertheless, reading last night I see doctors advice saying rapid is less accurate than lab.
Can the combination of a 4th generation rapid and the RNA PCR be seen as conclusive at 33 days? Would this cover me for HIV2 also - and if not what percent detected.
Want to tie this up move on doctors. In spite of reassurance been a mess this last 4 weeks. Can I simply move on from this now or would you suggest lab based at 6-8 weeks?
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
12 months ago
I'm sorry to see you back. Indeed these obviously are anxiety driven issues.

The syphilis EIA tests are generally believed to be conclusive at 6 weeks, and I would guess 95% certain by 33 days.

I agree with your new clinic's assessment of your newest HIV test results. In theory the AgAb tests are conclusive by 4 weeks and that was the standard advice the first couple years after they came into use. Subsequent data showed rare cases requiring up to 45 days (which this forum and many other providers often round off at 6 weeks). There also is a consensus that the rapid tests might miss rare positives compared to lab based tests, but there are no conclusive data on this point.

Most experts now consider the RNA/PCR test conclusive all by itself any time ~11-12 days after exposure. And I agree the combination of negative RNA/PCR at that time (or later) plus negative AgAb at 4 weeks is 100%. I see no need for you to have any further HIV testing. It is 100% certain you don't have it.

HHH, MD
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