[Question #12328] Hiv Test questions
 |
8 months ago
|
Hey i’m sorry to bother the forum, i’m just feeling a lot of anxiety and trust the answers provided by you three more than all the conflicting information I see online. This will be my last thread.
I did a 4th gen test at 46 days and 51 days, with both being negative. Is it true that some people take 3 months to develop Antibodies? How is it determined that 45 days+ is conclusive? Was it dumb to test again so shortly after my first test?
|
8 months ago
|
Also my partner and I have seemingly both developed blemishes on our face, with her also having a noticeable red bump on her nose that’s been there for about a week now. Could I possibly have still not developed antibodies but have been infected?
 |
Edward W. Hook M.D.
8 months ago
|
This is your 3rd set of questions in 5 days- it will need to be the last. You need to accept that you do not have HIV and move forward. You are wise to not believe the internet where there is much misinformation, some because it is out of date, some because data are misinterpreted and some that are just plain wrong.
Antibodies develop within days or a week or two of exposure to infection. It does not take months for antibodies to develop. The 45 day figure is based on careful studies of literally tens of thousands of at risk persons. It was not dumb to test earlier. From the studies I mention we know that some (a minority) of persons can develop antibodies and therefore positive tests within a week or two of infection, that at 4 weeks over 98% of persons will have positive tests and that all persons who have not taken medications for HIV treatment will have positive tests by 6 weeks following an exposure.
Your partners' blemishes are not due to HIV you give to her. Accept your test results. I urge you to address the guilt and anxiety you are experiencing, perhaps with professional confidential counseling. EWH
--- |
8 months ago
|
Ok, so just to clarify its not true that some people take 3 months to develop Antibodies? If I didn’t have antibodies, would I still have the antigens?
Then also, does the fact I had two negative post 45 days further strengthen my case for not having it?
|
Edward W. Hook M.D.
8 months ago
|
Correct, it does not take 3 months to develop antibodies to HIV. The HIV p24 antigen appears in the blood before antibodies do. Many persons with untreated, recently acquired HIV have both detectable antibodies and antigens. Some persons in the very early stages of infection may have only detectable antigen.
Two negative tests 45 or move days after a possible exposure proves that you were not infected. There is no medical or scientific reason for additional testing. It's time for you to move forward without concern. EWH
--- |
8 months ago
|
Ok, thanks. I’ll try to be at peace about my tests conclusively.
Do you have any idea how we both have developed blemishes and overall redness in the face?
|
8 months ago
|
Or I guess more specifically in my instance, if my abundance of red spots and overall redness in my face was related to HIV i’d have tested positive correct? Can you be infected with Symptoms at 4 weeks plus and still test negative?
|
Edward W. Hook M.D.
8 months ago
|
If your rash were due to HIV, your test would definitely be positive. When signs or symptoms are due to HIV, tests are ALWAYS positive.
I do not have an explanation for your facial redness but I am confident it does not represent an STI.
This 3rd response completes this thread which will now be closed. You should not return to the Forum with further questions. The answers and assessment are not going to change. Should you return, you may not receive a response to your questions and your positng fee will not be returned. Please try to move on. EWH
---