[Question #1657] Scared hiv infection?

92 months ago

I'm very scared because last December 08 I had sex with a transvestite.
I did passive (receptive).
I did oral sex for a few seconds without a condom to the transvestite.
The transvestite used condom at the time of penetration.
A few days later I had some condyloma in the area of the penis.
The doctor told me it could be vph.
At about 2 weeks I had strong diarrhea and a severe flu-like illness.
At 12 days I did a 4th generation vih test with negative result.
At 19 days I had a p24 antigen test with negative result.
At 23 days I did a 4th generation vih test with non-reactive result value 0 25, range <0.9 non-reactive.
At 29 days I have a 4th generation vih test with negative result.
At 41 days I did a hiv 4th generation test with negative result, I need more tests to rule out the disease ?, I am very scared, thank you

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

92 months ago

I'm sorry to see you remain so fearful despite the reasoned, science based reassurance you had from Dr. Hook a week ago. You are asking exactly the same questions, with the addition of one more test results. As Dr. Hook told you, the previous tests were conclusive, proving you didn't have HIV. The additional test at 41 days was unnecessary, but is also negative and adds to the evidence you did not catch HIV. For sure you are not infected. Do not have any more tests.

HHH, MD

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92 months ago

Thank you for your answer doctor, my fear is because when I went to the laboratory they told me that they should spend at least 60 days in order for these tests to be reliable (being these 4th generation tests), I also commented that when I test at 41 Days out of the reagent with a value of 0.23, a range <0.9 non-reactive, and now that I perform a test at 48 days left non-reactive with a value of 0.25, a non-reactive range <0.9, this value could go up and become positive 3 months, please your comments, thanks

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

92 months ago

This forum has discussed repeatedly -- probably an average of 1-2 questions every day -- that the 4th generation HIV tests re conclusive at 28 days and beyond. Many of these discussions also go into the reasons that many doctors and public health agencies still give advice about waiting 2-3 months for conclusive results. But it is simply unnecessary. Read a handful of other threads to see those discussions.

Any and all values below the positive cut-off are equally negative. For example, there is no difference between results of, say, 0.2, 0.5, or 0.85. Below 0.9 is just plain negative. T'he exact same blood specimen would have different numbers if tested repeatedly. It has to do with the chemistry and biology of the test itself. For sure there is no difference beteen your two results of 0.23 and 0.25.

You should not have any further tests, period. if you do it, and the results is reported negative, believe it. Pay no attention to the reported numerical value.

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91 months ago

Thank you doctor, today I did a hiv test 4th generation at 60 days with negative result, I need more tests to rule out the disease ?, here in my country I have been told that I should try again at 90 days, please comment.

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

91 months ago

You have been informed both in this thread and your previous one with Dr. Hook that the 4th generation tests are conclusive any time 28 days or more after exposure. This test at 60 days was unnecessary, as was the one at 41 days. Many public health agencies continue to recommend testing at 3 months, out of habit or a conservative philosophy. However, it is unnecessary, and an equal number of experts and agencies give the same advice we do on this forum: 4 weeks is sufficient. Regardless of what the policy is in your country, there is no need for any more testing. But feel free to have yet another test if you wish. If you do, it will also be negative.

That completes the two follow-ups and replies included with each question, and so ends this thread. Please note that repetative questions are not permitted. Do not ask again about this exposure or HIV testing; if you do, the question will be deleted without reply and without refund of the posting fee. This policy is in our users' self interest, to prevent the temptation to pay for answers that are obvious from previous discussions, and because such questions have little educational value, one of the main purposes of the forum.

Really, stop worrying and stop testing! For sure you did not catch HIV from the exposure 2 months ago.

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