2.-I want to move on but I dont know of my test will turn positive when I am off the steroids, do I need more testing? 

3.- Can a negative 9 months test change to postive due to the steroids?

1) There are no mediations -- none at all, of any kind -- that alter the reliability of the HIV antigen-antibody (AgAb, "4th generation") HIV blood tests. That includes anabolic steroids. No matter how high risk the exposure you have in mind might have been, and no matter what symptoms you might have, your negative test results are reliable and conclusive.

2) Your test will not turn positive assuming you don't have a new exposure with new HIV infection, whether or not you continue the steroid. You should not have any more HIV tests, assuming no new high risk events.

3) No, this cannot happen with the modern HIV tests.

I hope these replies are helpful. Your best to move on without worry, and with no more HIV tests! Let me know if anything isn't clear.

HHH, MD

1.- your opinion on insti tests? i currently live in Canada and they have told me they are not accurate but CATIE resource says is accurate?

2.- sometimes I have pain under my ears by my neck  I guess with these results I shouldnt relate it to hiv? By end of August 2020I got strep throat and by March 2021 was my 4th generation test, guess is a no related or concern for hiv?

3.- FINALLY... is not necessary then to do a test at 12  months? If so is an insti test would be good? Or it has to be 4th generation?

Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank youuuu!

2. It doesn't matter what symptoms you have. The test results overrule any and all symptoms. (But the symptoms you describe do not suggest HIV anyway.)

3. It is never necessary to test beyond 3 months; or for the AgAb (4th generation) tests, 6 weeks --  never longer. But INSTI will miss a few infections, no matter when the test is done.

Thanks for the thanks. I'm glad to help.

1.-I forgot to mention also a week or so before the test I had inhaled corticosteroids for an ear infection would these with anabolic steroids increase a false negative chance? (Talking about the same 9 months test)

2.- can anabolic steroids cause a delay in antibodies production? If so how a 4th generation will actually work if there are not antibodies  if they can cause a delay could  it be longer than 9 months? im asking cause i know they are immunosuppressive 

3.- how to control anxiety about hiv testing turning to positive if a  negative 9 month test has been done?

Thanks again!

2) This shows you do not understand how the AgAb tests work. It tests for both HIV antigen (Ag) and antibody (Ab).  Ag appears first; then when Ab develops, that's what makes antigen go away; that is, antibody removes antigen from the blood. If somehow antibody doesn't develop or is delayed, Ag remains -- so the test is positive and remains positive for life. IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO BE INFECTED WITH HIV MORE THAN 6 WEEKS AND HAVE A NEGATIVE AbAb TEST. Remember this, believe it, and do not ask any more quesitons about the reliability of the AgAb test. OK?

3) This is an HIV/STI advice service. We are not experts in anxiety management. If you remain anxious after such expert, science-based advice, the next step should be to speak with your doctor about professional counseling. 

That concludes this thread. I hope the discussion has been helpful.