[Question #8510] Hiv self test and Covid vaccine

43 months ago

Dear docs,

a question that might sound stupid but I’m not expert: here in Europe I’m about to take an HIV self test, getting the covid 3rd dose vaccine about 4 weeks after the potential hiv exposure could have delayed the hiv antibodies response and then the window period could be longer? Thanks in advance and best regards

Edward W. Hook M.D.

43 months ago

Welcome to our forum and thanks for your question. There are no data to suggest that vaccination for COVID-19 delays the test results in persons who have recently been infected with HIV. Results of fourth generation, combination HIV antigen/antibody tests are reliable at six weeks following exposure. Your results will not change because of your Covid vaccination.

I hope this information is helpful. EWH

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43 months ago

Thanks doctor Hook,

i'm going to get a self test at home (Biosure, approved in UK since 2015 and marketed either as Chembio HIV 172 assay or Clearview Complete HIV 1/2 in the States), i had a negative result with this test at 52 days after potential exposure but i'm going to test again at 12 weeks. Do you think the negative result at 7 weeks is already a good, althought, not definitive indicator of a negative status? The manufacturer advice that after 6 weeks about the 95% of people should have enough antibodies to be detected by the test.

Regards

Edward W. Hook M.D.

43 months ago

The test that you describe tests only for HIV antibodies and take a little longer to provide conclusive results than the combination tests. I agree that at six weeks these antibody only tests will detect about 95% of recent infections. For absolutely conclusive results, tests should be performed at a time after eight weeks. A negative result at six weeks however is certainly good news add greatly reduces any likelihood that infection is present. EWH---

43 months ago

Dear Doctor Hook,

following your advice about Biosure Test (For absolutely conclusive results, tests should be performed at a time after eight weeks) i've taken today another test at exactly 56 days/8weeks after potential exposure(vaginal sex).

Should i test again in the next weeks or this could be enough?

Best regards

Edward W. Hook M.D.

43 months ago

Your test results at this time will be conclusive, proving you did not acquire HIV. there is no need for additional testing.

This completes this thread. Take care, stay safe. EWH

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43 months ago

Good, then if i didn't get you wrong, a negative result at 8 weeks or more with this 2nd generation (Biosure IgG antibody only) finger-prick test is conclusive.

Sorry for this last clarification but it's for my peace of mind.

Regards and thanks again

Edward W. Hook M.D.

43 months ago

Correct. EWH ---