[Question #12779] Follow up to Question #12758

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5 months ago
As a follow-up to Question #12758 that I asked last week, I discussed with Dr. H about the risk of HIV transmission due to my partner testing negative on a 4th generation test a little over 24 hours after we had sex.  1 week after sex occurred, my partner also tested negative on a HIV/Syphillis DPP rapid finger prick test .  As earlier stated, I have bouts of ocd anxiety about irrational fears including, but certainly not limited to, HIV, and I'm working to get past my anxiety.  From the above information, would you state that there is minimal to 0% risk from my insertive and unprotected vaginal sex encounter?  I still plan to be tested at the 28 days mark, which is 1 week from today.  Thank you for your help.
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5 months ago
to further clarify, my question is really that I'm unsure about my partner's "window period" as she's reluctant to tell me about other prior partners.  That's the main reason I was following up on her negative 4th generation test 24 hours after sex and whether that effectively ruled out any risk.  Thanks.
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
5 months ago
This is your OCD speaking again. I re-read my replies to your previous question and I agree with myself.

I'm not sure what you're asking this time. I re-read our previous discussion and I still agree with my advice at that time. But I gather you have a relatively new partner and are concerned she might have HIV or syphilis, right? Since she has tested negative 24 hours after sex, she definitely could not have infected you with HIV, and almost certainly not with syphilis. Rather than only testing yourself, I suggest the two of you both be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia (which are much more likely, given your partner may have had recent sex with others), and for HIV and syphilis. If all these are negative at this time, you'll both know neither is at risk from sexual contact between you. But if you feel you still need conclusive tests of your own, regardless of your partner's test results or likelihood of infection, I would first advise a urine gonorrhea/chlamydia test (valid at any time more than 4-5 days after exposure (these STIs are far more likely than HIV or syphilis); and to have HIV and syphilis blood tests 6 weeks after your last sexual exposure with her.

HHH, MD
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5 months ago
Agreed, it is my ocd/irrational anxiety speaking.  My main question was the possibility of HIV infection after she tested negative on a 4th generation test a little over 24 hours after unprotected vaginal sex.  It seems you believe there is 0% chance of this happening, is that correct?  Thanks.
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
5 months ago
Yes, that's correct.---
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4 months ago
As a final update to this thread, I have tested negative at 28 and 41 days (and approx. 7 hours) through 4th generation tests completed by Quest Diagnostics.  I had intended to test at 42 days, but I didn't realize I had miscalculated by a day until after I had my blood drawn.  Nevertheless, it appears from this forum's other responses that 41 days is still considered conclusive and that there is no notable difference between 41 and 42 days.  Can you confirm that the 41 day 4th generation test being negative is conclusive and that no further testing is recommended?  Thank you for your assistance and for providing this service for overly anxious people like myself.  It is truly appreciated.
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H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
4 months ago
"Can you confirm that the 41 day 4th generation test being negative is conclusive and that no further testing is recommended?" Yes.

Thanks for the thanks; I hope the two discussions help you ignore any further worries and any more "what if" or "could I be the exception" sorts of questions. Please note the forum policy against repeated questions on the same topic. Excessive questions are subject to being deleted without reply and without refund of the hosting fee. Thank you for your understanding. Best wishes and stay safe.
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