[Question #12330] HIV anxiety

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8 months ago
Hi doctor I took an HIV RNA test 17 days after exposure and it was negative. Can I stop worrying about HIV? Do I need to test again or am I over thinking
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
8 months ago
HIV RNA PCR tests provide definitive evidence of the presence or absence of HIV infection at any time more than 11 days following an encounter of concern.  Your results prove that you did not acquire HIV. There is no need for follow-up testing or continued concern.  EWH---
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8 months ago
Hi doctor I also took an insti hiv antibody test after 23 days and it was negative. All good?
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
8 months ago
Antibody tests for HIV do not provide conclusive test results until 8 weeks after an exposure.  Despite that, as pointed out above, your HIV RNA PCR test results were conclusive.  EWH---
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7 months ago
Hi doctor so as you know I took the hiv rna test 17 days post exposure and you said it was conclusive enough but with the anxiety I decided to take an insti test 6 weeks post exposure and from what I'm reading online it's pretty much conclusive. Should I get tested again? can I continue having unprotected sex with my wife? Please doctor give me your honest answer as this anxiety and worry is killing me 
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7 months ago
Forgot to mention the 6 week insti hiv test was negative 
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
7 months ago
As you know, this will be the final response as part of this thread.  There should be no need to return with further questions on this topic.  

Your INST test confirms the 17 day result you already have.  You do not have HIV and do not need further testing.  There is no need to abstain from unprotected sex with your wife.  I encourage you to move forward without concern.  EWH
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