[Question #8761] Waiting for HIV Test Results

40 months ago

I went to the Dr on Friday for lab testing (total of 7 different tests) and I've gotten my results for everything except HIV. For example, I got my results for syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia and all negative. No news for HIV (its been 2 days). How long do results for HIV duo test take normally? Worried that since I haven't seen that result in my portal that it could be bad news. My exposures have been protected sex w/ 5 different women and unprotected w/ current gf. Should I be worried that its taking this long for my results? I find it strange that only HIV results are missing. Appreciate the help and all you do.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

40 months ago

Welcome to our forum. Thank you for your confidence in our service. I’ll be glad to comment.

Each of the tests that you have had is performed in the laboratory differently, both in terms of the test itself and the schedule for which it is performed i. Many laboratories do not perform every test on every day, often running them only several times a week. It is not unusual in the least for some tests to come back sooner than others.

The encounters you described are very, very low risk for all STI‘s including HIV. I urge you not to worry. I anticipate that your results will be back shortly and will show that you did not acquire HIV from the encounters you described.

I hope this information is helpful. If there are further questions or any part of my responses unclear, please don’t hesitate to use your up to two follow-ups for clarification

. Please don’t worry. EWH

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40 months ago

Thanks for the reply Dr. Hook. I'm just worried because I find it strange how only the HIV result isn't available in the portal for my results. I have a few follow up questions:

1. I read online that sometimes HIV tests are delayed to confirm positive results. Can that be the case why its taking long?

2. How long does it usually take to get results back from HIV duo test?

3. Why would the other tests be available and not the HIV one? I've read it shouldn't take longer than 1-2 days.

4. Like mentioned previously in this forum, I tested w/ Oraquick 4 times after exposure w/ CSW and all negative. However, I've read that this test sometimes misses infections for about 1% of the time. 4 years after that exposure and all the others mentioned here, this is the first time I'm tested at the Dr. w/ the duo test. Should I still be concerned?

5. Can an active herpes infection cause false positive results?

6. Do HIV results usually take the longest out of all of these tests? Wondering why the HIV test wouldn't be run and the other ones would.

Thanks again.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

40 months ago

I really think you are probably worrying more than you need to, particularly given your description of your encounters which were low risk:

1. Possible but far more likely that this is a logistical issue.

2. Sigh, as I already explained, this varies from lab to lab

3. Repetitive- already explained. See my original answer

4. The biggest problem with the OraQuick is with recently (weeks) acquired infections.

5. No

6. Repeating your question using different test results is not going to change the answer.

Please, please, don't work yourself into a tizzy. EWH

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40 months ago

The final lab test came in (for Lipid Panel) and so now out of the 7 tests that were done, the HIV test is the only one missing (went last Friday for blood work.) The Lipid panel was delayed because of slightly high cholesterol I believe. So, I'm freaking out that the same would be true for HIV. I took an Oraquick home test today because I was so anxious and got a negative result. However, I'm still anxious because why would the HIV blood test specifically take the longest? Should I be concerned about the long wait time?

Can I report my final result on this thread once I receive it?

Edward W. Hook M.D.

40 months ago

Lease report your results when you get them. In the meantime, your Oraquick results are strong evidence that the delay in getting you the results is logistical. I’m sorry that they are taking so long. EWH ---

40 months ago

NonReactive!!!!!!!!!!

The test done was HIV AG/AB WITH REFLEX. Is that the 4th generation test and is it accurate?

Also, it was resulted on 04/15, the same day I took my bloodwork... Do you know why it took so long to get the result in my portal?

I really appreciate everything you do. Thank you for your services Dr.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

40 months ago

Glad to hear of your result but not surprised. I have no good explanation for the delay in getting your test results. There are several clerical steps involved in getting you your results after testing and I suspect that this is wear the delay occurred. Irrespective, I now urge you to accept and believe your results and to move forward from here without continuing concern.

Take care. This completes this thread. EWH

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