[Question #12306] HIV WINDOW PERIOD

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8 months ago
Hi there, I had a last exposure on August 18,2024 took a 4th gen hiv at 46,60,75,92 post exposure with no new exposures.  My anxiety is killing me. Is there a chance the HIV 1/2 ANTIGEN/ANTIBODY,FOURTH GENERATION W/RFL    may have missed something?
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
8 months ago
Welcome to the forum. Thanks for your confidence in our services and your succinct question.

The bottom line is that you needn't be anxious any longer -- indeed could have put it aside after your first test. Your test at 45 days proved conclusive you did not acquire HIV last August. The next three were unnecessary but confirmed the initial result.

The HIV antigen-antibody (AgAb) tests -- also called "combo" and "4th generation" HIV tests -- are among the most accurate diagnostic tests ever developed, for any medical condition. They almost always are positive with 4 weeks of catching HIV (~98% reliable); on rare occasions they require up to 45 days, which perhaps you learned before your first test, maybe explaining why you chose that particular time to test.

You say nothing about the nature of your exposure. It makes no difference in understanding your test results; they are conclusive no matter how high the risk of HIV at the time. But feel free to let me know about it if you would like that perspective on your situation. In the meantime, congratulations on your negative test results. Let me know if anything isn't clear.

HHH, MD
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8 months ago
It was unprotected anal sex the whole time. (I asked this person for his status but would get mad talking about it until he said no, but anyone can lie). So can I be confident with my test results?
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
8 months ago
Of course "anyone can lie", but most people do not when asked directly about HIV or STD status. In any case, as I said above, your test results are proof you do not have HIV; you can be 100% confident.---