Hello Sir,

Previously, I asked a question on this site regarding potential HIV risk, and Dr. Hunter kindly replied that there was no risk, though testing was optional for reassurance if anxiety persisted. Based on that advice, I proceeded with testing.

My last possible exposure was on December 30, 2024, and I was tested on June 17, 2025 (approximately five months later). The test performed was an HIV-1 & HIV-2 Combo (Antigen/Antibody) serum test conducted at a laboratory in Saudi Arabia. The result was non-reactive.

1. Is this test result considered conclusive given the timing, and is there any need for further testing?

2. I am somewhat concerned about the turnaround time. The report indicates the sample was registered at 22:24, collected at 22:27, received at 02:23, and reported at 03:07. The receptionist initially informed me that results typically take 24 hours. I did not disclose that the test was related to a sexual exposure and instead stated it was for visa purposes. Is this turnaround time normal? Additionally, how long does the testing machine itself typically take to process an HIV Ag/Ab sample once it is run? I have read online that results sometimes take several days.

3. Lastly, the report includes a disclaimer stating that self-diagnosis is not advised, consultation with a physician is recommended, and that PCR testing may be required to confirm a diagnosis. Could you please clarify the meaning of this disclaimer in the context of a non-reactive result?

I would also like to mention that I have been through this process before and was able to move on; however, health-related anxiety continues to return despite reassurance.

Thank you, Sir.

This is the question I asked previously:
[Question #12543] Encounter with CSW

My concern is that the test result was reported very quickly. The report indicates that the sample was received at 02:23 and the result was reported at 03:07, which is approximately 40 minutes. The overall turnaround time from blood collection to the final result was about five hours.

I would like to ask whether this timeframe is sufficient to properly perform an HIV Ag/Ab test, or if this turnaround is considered unusually fast.

Thank you for your clarification.

Kind regards,

I would like to summarize the encounters previously mentioned and seek clarification regarding the conclusiveness of my HIV test and ongoing concerns.

1. October encounter: I had brief manual contact with a sex worker while having a recent minor cut near my fingernail, later continued with a condom on my hand, and received condom-protected oral sex; there was no penetration. 
   Note: I forgot to add this last time but the sex worker tried to enter my penis in her vagina but I rejected and I think the some vaginal fluid came on the condom from the outside. Im afraid that when the condom slipped it was placed in reverse cause the fluid touching my uretha directly.

2. December encounter: I briefly engaged in deep kissing with a sex worker who may have had cracked lips, and I am concerned due to having a dental cavity.

3. Another encounter: I received a condom-covered handjob only, with no penetration, and was shown an HIV test in Russian that listed “Anti-HIV: 1.2,” though it was not marked as reactive.

Based on these events, I would like to ask:

1. Does the HIV Ag/Ab test I completed five months after my last possible exposure fully rule out infection and be considered conclusive?

2. What is the actual risk, if any, from visiting a residence or hotel where sex workers live, when the interaction is limited to non-sexual contact such as lab dance, handshakes, or brief hugging?

3. Given that I have previously received reassurance yet continue to experience recurring anxiety and overthinking about this issue, what advice would you offer to help manage and stop this cycle of health-related anxiety?

Hello Sir,

Thank you for your previous response. I would appreciate clarification on a few points to ensure I fully understand your guidance.

1. In a previous response, Dr. Hunter stated that my exposure represented “no risk.” Could you please clarify what factors led to this assessment, and whether “no risk” and “low risk” are considered the same or different in this context?

2. English is not my native language, so I would like to confirm my understanding of your wording. When you stated that the test “could certainly” have provided accurate results within the described timeframe, does this ever imply that it might not be possible?

3. I have noticed that in some forum discussions, PCR testing is mentioned alongside HIV Ag/Ab (combo) testing. Could you please clarify which test is considered the primary or standard test for HIV diagnosis, and in what situations PCR testing is recommended instead?

Thank you very much for your time and patience.

Kind regards,