[Question #13468] HIV testing

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1 months ago
Hello, just some questions regarding testing and if anything could cause false negative. 
Was tested with HIV 4th generation test at 52 days and 146 days after suspected exposure. Both Negative. 
Medications that have been used is steroid eye drops (prednisone) and omega 3 fish oils. Would these have any impact on the testing to make it false negative? Just had a lot of anxiety. Are the tests conclusive? 
Thank you so much! 
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
1 months ago
Welcome to our Forum.  Thanks for your questions as well as your implied confidence in our service.  I'll be glad to comment.

Your test results are conclusive.  4th generation, combination HIV antigen/antibody tests are entirely conclusive any time more than 42-45 days following an exposure of concern.  Thus, both your 52 and your 146 day tests rule out the possibility that you acquired HIV.  Falsely negative tests are extraordinarily rare and with two negative tests there is no chance than in infection would have been missed.  Neither prednisone eye drops nor omega 3 fish oils would interfere with the reliability of your test results in any way.

There is nothing to worry about and certainly no need for additional testing.  You are in the clear.  EWH
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1 months ago
Thank you!
Not sure if I can also ask about HPV in this follow up? 
But I’ve had some white spots that showed up on lips after oral sex, they’ve remained unchanged for months now. No pain or anything. Been vaccinated for HPV but is there any chance this could be oral HPV? Seen a dermatologist and they said fordyce spots but they showed up after oral sex so I’m just worried and not sure what’s going on. 
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
1 months ago
The lesions you describe certainly do not sound like HPV and you have been examined by a trained specialist (your dermatologist) who identified the lesions as Fordyce spots.  I certainly would not argue with his/her diagnosis based on he/she having examined you.  I think you are worrying more than you need to.  EWH---