[Question #9348] HIV concern

33 months ago

I had unprotected sex with a sex worker about 9 weeks ago. I tested with a finger stick AgAb test at 58 days and it was negative. Can I put HIV behind me?

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

33 months ago

Welcome to the forum. Thanks for your question.

Negative results with all AgAb HIV blood tests, including the rapid (fingerstick, point of care) tests, are conclusive any time 45 days or more after the last possible exposure. On this forum, we round that off to 6 weeks (42 days), but you're well past these limits. Your negative result shows for sure you do not have HIV.

I hope this is helpful. Let me know if anything isn't clear.

HHH, MD

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33 months ago

Thank you very much.

I am uncircumcised. We had unprotected sex twice. Would my result still be valid if the sex worker had HIV?

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

33 months ago

Yes indeed. The results are equally reliable regardless of the risk at the time of exposure. In any case, these factors only slight raise your risk of infection.

Your risk for gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis were a lot higher than for HIV. I hope you also were tested for them.

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33 months ago

Thank you very much.

I tested negative for all of these STIs.

I will use my last opportunity for reassurance.

Even if the sex work was indeed HIV positive, my result proves that I am not infected. Do you agree?

33 months ago

Sorry, there was a typo.

Even if the sex worker was indeed HIV positive, my result proves that I am not infected. Do you agree?

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

33 months ago

Same question in different words. Your last post asked "Would my result still be valid if the sex worker had HIV?" and my reply starts "Yes indeed". So of course I agree with your statement this time, that the result proves you are not infected. So now you've had that same answer three times: I hope it sticks and has resolved your concerns about it!

Thanks again for your confidence in the forum. Best wishes and stay safe.

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