Question that wasn’t answered: if I continue on PEP are there any downsides to my health? 

What is the accuracy of NAT test while on PEP? Since it looks for RNA and not antibody I assume it’s still highly accurate but not conclusive? Google just says that it “may reduce the accuracy of the test” which to me makes it sound like they are accurate enough to offer peace of mind if I stay on the pill for the full 28 day course.

Thanks for your help!!

I disagree your questions were not answered -- or the answers are obvious from the discussion. I wonder if there might an English comprehension problem, e.g. if it isn't your native language.

HIV testing (both NAAT and antibody or antigen-antibody tests) are conquered reliable while on PEP, but there is uncertainty about it -- which is why it is advised that users both get tested periodically while taking PEP and once more a few weeks after the last dose. In other words, I agree with the Google statement you quote, and all this was clear in my replies in your previous thread. You are correct that "they are accurate enough to offer peace of mind" if you continue PEP. 

However, my main advice remains:  you had an exposure that has never been known to result in HIV infection, even if your partner has HIV -- and almost certainly she does not; and should not be taking PEP. You are letting irrational anxieties dictate your response rather than a thoughtful, analytical response. 

Perhaps it also will help you to know that in the 21 years of this forum and our preceding forum at medhelp.org (now defunct), with thousands of questions from persons worried about HIV after a possible exposure, nobody has yet turned out to be infected. You will not be the first. If and when it happens, it will be from a genuine risk event, not a trivial non-risky exposure like yours.

HHH, MD

Rough percentage (knowing that there isn't really data on this), what do you think the accuracy of taking a NAT test while on PEP is?

And I still don't see the answer to the question (English is my native tongue, I just may be dumb) - are there any downsides on my health to taking PEP? I assume no by your response but just want to be clear. 

Lastly, I want to thank you so much for offering guidance. This has been more than extremely helpful in relieving anxieties. I feel blessed to have come across this forum and to have connected with you. Please don't close this out. I may still have one more follow up questions depending on your response. 

The anti-HIV drugs, including those used for PEP, are very safe. But severe and even life threatening side effects have occurred. It's very rare, but still this is a higher risk than the chance you acquired HIV,  Also remember the other "side effect" of PEP -- the delay in 100% conclusive testing to prove you weren't infected.

Threads are closed after two follow-up comments and replies; you have one more coming.

That concludes this thread. Please note the forum policy against multiple questions on the same topic or exposure. This being your second, it will have to be your last one about this exposure or the timing and reliability of HIV testing during and after PEP. Such repeated questions may receive no reply and the posting fee will not be refunded. This policy is based on compassion, not criticism, and is intended to reduce temptations to keep paying for questions with obvious answers. In addition, experience shows that continued answers tend to prolong users' anxieties rather than reducing them. Finally, such questions have little educational value for other users, one of the forum's main purposes. Thanks for your understanding.