[Question #5354] 4th gen ag/ab test taken need clarification

76 months ago

Hello Doctors:

Per my las question over one year ago, I wanted to ask another hopeful final question regarding this event of analingus and possible HIV infection.

I took a 4th generation ag/ab test four weeks after the event which came back negative.

At the time, for some silly reason, I had in my head that the 4 week mark would be conclusive although having looked back at your advice that negative result appears to have been only 98-99% conclusive. Given the very very very low risk of my exposure, do you think I need to test again to be 100% sure?

I have read that tests can provide false positives — and I recall the technician who performed the test warning me about this — so now I am clearly worried about testing again.

Does this make sense?

Please can you advise — am I in the clear or should I test again!!

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

76 months ago

You're still obsessing about the non-risky exposure you asked about over a year ago? Sorry, but we really can't help further. I'll just say that false positive results with the 4th AgAb tests are extraordinarily rare, if they occur at all; I've never heard of it. As discussed previously, you didn't need testing at all and I see no need for further testing. OTOH, if you have an emotional need for a 100% conclusvie result, have another test, since 4 weeks isn't qute conclusvie. You're in the clear already, however, so additional testing is up to you.

By rights and forum policy (of which you have been informed), normally this thread would have been deleted without reply. I'm letting it stand, but only this far: closing it now, with no opporunity for further discussion. I'll only add that you might consider professional counseling. It isn't normal to remain so concerned after the repeated, science-based reassurance you have had.

Best wishes and stay safe.

HHH, MD

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