[Question #13523] When is a 4th gen test via blood draw considered accurate?
 |
8 hours ago
|
Hello, I am seeing there is a lot of debate about the time that results from a 4th generation (done via a blood draw) are considered conclusive. Would negative results from a 4th generation test done at 7 weeks (49 days) from an encounter be considered conclusive? I tested negative at 4 weeks (using 4th gen) but have been second-guessing the accuracy and want to be safe so that I can move on from this and I also did not take pep or PrEP. Thank you kindly for addressing my question!
 |
Edward W. Hook M.D.
6 hours ago
|
Welcome to our forum. Thank you for your question and your confidence in our service. I’ll be glad to comment.
Fourth generation HIV tests are more than 98 to 99% conclusive at 28 days following an encounter. While there are very rare cases that become positive after day 28, this is very rare. Neither Dr.Handsfield nor I have ever seen or heard of such a case.
You don’t say much about the nature of your exposure, but I would have a high degree of confidence based on the results that you mentioned that you do not have HIV from an encounter more than four weeks before. I hope you find this information helpful. EWH.
--- |
5 hours ago
|
Thank you very much Dr. Hook!
In the heat of the moment, I had performed unprotected oral sex on a guy who's status I didn't quite know (and feel super foolish for it). I decided to get tested at week 4 from the encounter since I got a bit anxious about it. Then, I see that there is a lot of back and forth about when a test is truly accurate. All in all, just trying to make sure I'm safe. Thanks again.
In the heat of the moment, I had performed unprotected oral sex on a guy who's status I didn't quite know (and feel super foolish for it). I decided to get tested at week 4 from the encounter since I got a bit anxious about it. Then, I see that there is a lot of back and forth about when a test is truly accurate. All in all, just trying to make sure I'm safe. Thanks again.
|
Edward W. Hook M.D.
2 hours ago
|
You're correct, particularly if you have been seeking information on the internet where misinformation is widespread and difficult to sort out. My comments are are based on high quality medical studies of thousands and thousands of persons.
Thanks as well for the information on your exposure. Let me provide you with a few more facts:
1. You apparently do not know whether your partner had untreated HIV or not. Statistically it is unlikely that he did.
2. Even if your partner did have untreated HIV, statistically the risk of becoming infected is estimated as less than 1 infection per 10,000 acts of oral sex on an infected person (i.e. thus IF he had HIV, there is still and 99.99% likelihood that you would not become infected)
We these additional facts, I am completely confident that you did not get HIV from the exposure you described. I urge you to accept the results of your test and move forward without concern. EWH
---