[Question #3556] Question #3479 Follow up
 |
88 months ago
|
Hello Dr. Hook,
I know you get this question alot about the window period of the 4th generation test, as I was given a negative result at 28 days. Is that a sufficient amount of time for the test to detect the virus? I don’t see the need to retest, as I’ve read that by 4 wks (28 days) the test is extremely accurate and would’ve shown positive by either the antigen or antibody portion of the test. My exposure was condom protected vaginal w CSW. Since I’ve received a negative result, I can assume that I don’t have HIV and continue unprotected sex w my wife?
Thank you again for all your help.
 |
H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
88 months ago
|
Welcome back to the forum, but I'm sorry you found it necessary. I agree with the reasoned, science based reassurance you had from Dr. Hook. And that discussion already answers this question. He told you that the negative 4th generation test at 28 days is about 99% reliable. And you had a safe sex exposure with almost no chance of HIV.
Even before you were tested, the chance you had HIV was under 1 in a million. With a 99% reliable test, it's now 1 in 100 million. That's zero for all practical purposes. If somehow I were in your situation, I would never have stopped having unprotected sex with my wife. You did not need to stop and certainly can resume sex now. However, if you feel you need a 100% conclusive test, you'll have to be tested again 6+ weeks after exposure. But it really doesn't seem necessary to me.
HHH, MD
--- |
88 months ago
|
Thank you Dr. The odds are in my favor obviously and have let some irrational fears get the best of me. It’s time move on. Thanks for all you do on this forum.
|
H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
88 months ago
|
Thanks for the thanks. I'm glad to have helped.---
|
87 months ago
|
Hello Dr(s),
I wanted to know if your assessment would change if there was a possible condom slippage during one of the vaginal exposures. I am confident the condom was placed properly but as I pulled out, my penius had separated from the condom at the end. I was drinking and cannot remember fully the situation other than we briefly had unprotected oral and began protected vaginal. The CSW was the one who insisted on condoms which I was relieved by. I think the anxiety and stress of the situation is causing this doubt. The other reason I am revisiting this is because I’ve had a scratchy/dry throat (only symptom) now for several weeks which I’ve never had before. It could be the allergies here where I’m from and the drinking of alcohol that I’ve begun to reduce my anxiety. I’ve read in countless posts that you believe that test results overrule symptoms and to trust them. I want to trust my results and move on but obviously had some concerns that I wanted to get your advice on.
Thank you.
|
H. Hunter Handsfield, MD
87 months ago
|
Hello again. This information doesn't change my opinions or advice. A certain amount of condom slippage probably is quite normal, but as long as the penis head and meatus (urethral opening) remain covered, protection against HIV is considered complete.
However, I did not specifically recommend against having another HIV test 6+ weeks after the exposure, for a 100% conclusive result. I only told you why it isn't really necessary and why I wouldn't feel a need if I were in your shoes. But you're free to do it, and probably should. It seems my reassurance alone isn't going to erase your fears, whereas a conclusive test result might do so.
That completes 3 replies and so ends this thread. Please note the forum does not permit repeated questions on the same topic or exposure. This being your second, it will have to be your last one; future new questions will receive no reply, without refund of the posting fee. This policy is based on compassion, not criticism, and is designed to reduce temptations to keep paying for questions with obvious answers. In addition, experience shows that continued answers tend to prolong users' anxieties rather than reducing them. Finally, such questions have little educational value for other users, one of the forum's main purposes. Thanks for your understanding.
---