Hi doctors!

Just a quick question.  Is the following combination of tests + results reliable to discard a HIV infection?

- PCR HIV-1 RNA test (20 copies/ml) and Ag/Ab 4th generation, 12 days after possible exposure, both negative.

- Ag/Ab 4th generation, 28 days after possible exposure, negative.

Back when I took these tests I just accepted the results as reliable, based on what I have learned here in the past years.  But I recently started having regular unprotected sex with a new partner (who has been recently tested and who I know very well) and I'm suddenly very worried for her, in case my assumption  I was on the clear from previous exposures was wrong!  Have I put my new partner at risk? :(

Thanks in advance for your help.

Definitely conclusive. In theory, a newly infected person could have negative results that would become positive on a repeat AgAb test at 6+ weeks. However, I've never heard of this happening (except in people taking anti-HIV drugs as post-exposure prophylaxis that didn't work) and the comgination of these results should be considered conclusive. That's especially true if your prior exposure was similar to the ones described in your previous questions. If I were in your situation, I would not have any furher tests and would happily continue my new relationship with no concern about transmitting HIV.

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

HHH, MD

Hello Dr. HHH.

Thank you for your reply, and for the suggestion, which I will follow.

A little follow-up.  My partner bought a couple of home blood tests for HIV antibodies (ratiopharma HIV autotest) because she knew that otherwise I would not stop worrying :)

We did them, both negative.  Considering the previous exposure happened at the end of December 2019, I'm definitely not worried anymore :)

Thanks again!