[Question #4631] Is my HIV test results conclusive?

27 months ago

I (25F) was seeing a guy for a few weeks. We first had sex unprotected around June 22 and June 23 then every once in a while after that (unprotected) During that time he wasn’t dating anyone else, and same with me. Things didn’t work with us and stopped seeing each other.

I had my first STD panel on the first week (July 27th), which would of been 4 weeks post exposure, everything came back negative. Took another STD check 6 weeks (aug 14) after post exposure. Everything came back negative.

He said he was clear of any infections....but I want to make sure for my health...

My question here are my test conclusive? Or do I have to take another test for HIV? Both test were taken and sent by a lab, blood was drawn from my vein.

On the lab paperwork from Aug 14, a 4th gen test was used. If that helps.

Am I over reacting? I spent so much money lately on clinics, other expenses that I don’t know if I’m just creating more problems to obsess over. This is an eye opener for sure.

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

27 months ago

Welcome to the forum. Thanks for your questions.

No more testing is needed. You don't say exactly what you mean by "standard" STD testing, but assuming vaginal swab or urine for gonorrhea and chlamydia and the usual blood tests for HIV and syphilis, you were home free for gon/chl and nearly so for HIV and syphilis after the first round at 4 weeks, and for sure now. No other tests would have really been necessary in this situation.

The HIV antigen-antibody (AgAb, "4th generation") tests are exactly the right ones. They are 100% conclusive by 6 weeks (and usually 4 weeks) after the last possible exposure. But the chance a partner like yours has HIV probably is under one in many thousand -- not to be cavalier about such a dangerous infection, but the risks are very low for the average single but dating woman or heterosexual man.

Assuming other such relationships are possible in the future, you went about it responsibly. In a similar circumstance in the future, I would recommend only a single round of testing for gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV and syphilis 6 weeks after the last exposure (assuming no symptoms like abnormal vaginal discharge or other genital symptoms); plus routine annual gyn evaluation.

I hope these comments are helpful. Let me know if anything isn't clear.

HHH, MD

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27 months ago

Thank you for taking the time to answer my question!

Thank you for reassuring me that HIV test are conclusive.

On the test I had on Aug 14th, i was tested for HIV, Hepatitis, chlamydia, and that's all that I remember..but i know there was other things i was tested for...do you think i may have been also been tested for Syphilis on this test?

On the test before this, I had my annual check for my pap and STD, I'm just not sure what exactly I was tested for again.

Is a syphilis test on any standard testing?

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

27 months ago

No doubt syphilis was included; I doubt any lab in the country offers an "STD panel" that doesn't include syphilis testing. Any clinic or doctor doing STD testing usually would include syphilis, but if in doubt it's of course proper to ask them. In the future, would encourage you to ask for the details whenver you have lab testing of any kind, whether for STD or any other health issue.

As for your Aug 14 tests, hepatitis was an unnecessary waste of money in this situation. Many "comprehensive" STD panels include HSV (herpes) testing. The lab or doctor where you were tested can easily provide the details.

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27 months ago

Yeah, I figured if they tested for chlam, hiv, they most likely would of tested me for syphilis. I just was curious if I had to be retested for that as well. Thank you so much for reassuring me. I had so many unnecessary worries, now i can relax. Thank you for helping out the people like myself who are clueless. You have no idea what you're reassurance does for us! Thanks!

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

27 months ago

Thanks for the kind words! I'm glad to have helped. Best wishes.---