[Question #9601] Fingering risk and Hiv test

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31 months ago
Dear Doctors,

First of all thanks for the amazing job you do. 
50 days ago, I fingered a CSX for which I used a finger with a hangnail that was infected but not bleeding. I have done 4 times ab/ag HIV lab tests at 17, 26, 36 and 46 days after exposure. All of then have come back non-reactive or negative.

1. do you consider fingering a high HIV risk event? if not, why not?
2. are my tests conclusive or do I have to retest again at 12 weeks? 
3 why do many organizations, practitioners, and even the last lab where I got tested recommend testing at 12 weeks to get a conclusive result? is this scientifically justified?
4. You have stated previously in this forum that ab/ag hiv lab tests are conclusive at 6 weeks (45 days). Could you please give a brief scientific reason for this statement?
5. do ab/ag lab HIV tests that are conclusive at 6 weeks include ELISA and CMIA?
5. My main concer is to become a risk for my wife. can reasume unprotected sex with her?

I appreciate your help.











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Edward W. Hook M.D.
31 months ago
Welcome to the Forum.  thanks for your questions.  I considered making a reply before I saw your specific questions but will not do that.  That said, before I do read your specific questions, let me say that the encounter you describe was a NO RISK event.  The presence of a hang nail makes no difference and your HIV tests since the event PROVE that you were not infected.  With that, i'll now address your specifc questions:


1. do you consider fingering a high HIV risk event? if not, why not?
This was a no risk event.  I have NEVER seen nor heard of an HIV infection acquired through masturbation (fingering).  You are not going to be the first..  

2. are my tests conclusive or do I have to retest again at 12 weeks? 
Further testing is a waste of time and resources.  Your results PROVE that you were not  infected.

3 why do many organizations, practitioners, and even the last lab where I got tested recommend testing at 12 weeks to get a conclusive result? is this scientifically justified?
No, your results are conclusive

4. You have stated previously in this forum that ab/ag hiv lab tests are conclusive at 6 weeks (45 days). Could you please give a brief scientific reason for this statement?
This statement is the result of analysis of multiple scientific studies.  We have never seen nor heard of someone whose 4th generation HIV test went from negative to positive after 6 weeks.  

5. do ab/ag lab HIV tests that are conclusive at 6 weeks include ELISA and CMIA?
Yes

5. My main concer is to become a risk for my wife. can reasume unprotected sex with her?
Yes 

I hope this analysis is helpful.  {Please don't worry.  EWH
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30 months ago
Thanks Dr.Hook for your reply

Can I ask again why is not necessary to retest at 12 weeks?

Is there any scientific reason for this or is just based on the fact that you have not heard/know of someone whose 4th generation HIV test went from negative to positive after 6 weeks?

I know you have answered this question thousands of times but it is important to me if you could elaborate further.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
30 months ago
Multiple well designed scientific studies involving tens of thousands of participants have shown that test results for HIV taken using a combination HIV antigen/antibody test are absolutely conclusive any time more than 42-45 days following a risky exposure.  This is not personal experience, it is validates scientific fact.  EWH---