[Question #6141] HIV testing confusion

70 months ago

Hi Dr

when will be the HIV test become conclusive. I am seeing a lot of contradictory information in google. Some people are saying that HIV 4th gen is 100% conclusive at 42 days, HIV RNA is conclusive at 21 days and HIV antibody and Oraquick are conclsuive at 3 months. But some people are saying that follow up test needed at 6 months or 1 year. Can you please explain the the above test will become 100% conclusive

had protected sex at a massage center but worried that condom is broken. My HIV 4th gen test is negative at 42 days and 13 weeks.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

70 months ago

Welcome to our forum. Thank you for your confidence in our site. I'll be glad to help clarify things. As I read your question I wonder whether or not you have been going to the Internet for information. Unfortunately much of what is found on the Internet is out of date, taken out of context, or simply wrong. In general, the Internet is not you "friend" when it comes to health information.

Currently available fourth generation test for HIV which test for both the HIV antigen and HIV antibodies are entirely conclusive in people who have not taken antiviral therapy six weeks following exposure.

HIV RNA PCR TESTS detects the presence of the virus. Virus is present and detectable typically at 11 or more days following exposure. Certainly a PCR test which was negative at 20 days would be virtually conclusive.

The Oraquick test for HIV antibodies is our least favorite test. This test has the convenience of not requiring blood however antibodies to HIV may be difficult to detect in oral secretions. A negative test at three months is conclusive.

Statements that modern HIV tests are not definitive until six months or even one year are incorrect.

I hope this information is helpful to you. Based on the test results that you mention you can be entirely confident that you did not acquire HIV from the exposure you mention. EWH

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70 months ago

Thanks for the response Dr. I took my 4th gen test at 6 and 13 weeks and both were negative. I think I can safely put that incident behind and move on with my life and resume normal activities.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

70 months ago

I agree completely. You can be confident in your test results. No further testing for this encounter is needed. EWH
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70 months ago

Thanks for the help Dr. I will move on