[Question #2836] Test results and HIV subtypes

94 months ago

Hi Dr,

I had a handjob and protected vaginal sex in Southeast asia 82 days ago. After the incident, I had rapid finger prick HIV 1/2 test at Planned Parenthood at 6 weeks and 69 days after the exposure. I also had an Insti Rapid HIV 1/ HIV 2 test today, which is 82 days after the incident. All of them were negative. My questions are:

1/ Can the tests at Planned Parenthood and Insti rapid test detect all subtypes of HIV 1 and HIV 2 ? The reason I ask is because my incident happened in Southeast Asia (where the subtype E is popular while the in USA subtype B is popular)

2/ Can I say without any doubt that I am HIV negative? Or there is a little chance that I am positive? Thank you Dr.

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

94 months ago

Welcome to the forum. Thanks for your question.

This was a zero risk exposure for all practical purposes. Condoms work, and HIV cannot be transmitted by handjob. Equally important, the test results you had are 100% conclusive. They prove you did not catch HIV. To your specific quesitons:

1. These tests detect all subtypes.

2. Without doubt you are HIV negative. There is no chance you were infected.

I hope this information is helpful. Let me know if anything isn't clear.

HHH, MD

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94 months ago

Thank you Dr. Handsfield . I have checked with Biolytical (which is the manufacturer of the Insti Rapid HIV 1/HIV 2) and they said that they can detect all of the known subtypes and recombinant forms of subtype. I hope I can forget about this incident and move on with my life now. Thank you again. You gave me more reassurance than the tests themselves.

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

94 months ago

I'm glad to have helped. Take care and stay safe.

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