[Question #9779] HIV Rapid Test

29 months ago

Hi,

I had potential exposure with a sex worker (from what I remember protection was used but was intoxicated so can't confirm if the condom had broken or slipped) over 6 months ago and after 2-3 months started having some unusual symptoms which are stated below.

1. Penile rash (redness on head comes and goes).

2. Aches and pains in random areas of body that change day by day but have persisted for 3 months now.

3. Bowl movements more regular (not diarrhoea)

4. Dark urine.

I have carried out the following tests:

2x Surecheck HIV self test 3 months post exposure. 2nd generation

1x Rapid Syphilis test by better2know clinic 3 months post exposure.

1x HIV self test (Simplitude byme) provided by the Terrance Higgins Trust. 3rd generation.

2x Surecheck HIV self test 6 months post exposure. 2nd generation.

I would like to know from your experience if I can rely on these tests results? I would like to trust these results but the persistent symptoms I have made me concerned.

Edward W. Hook M.D.

29 months ago

Welcome to the Forum. Thanks for your questions I'll be glad to comment. FYI, I was on the Forum at the time your question arrived so you are receiving this response somewhat soon that it typical. Any follow-ups may take longer.

The exposure you describe was low risk. Most commercial sex workers do not have HIV and if your condom had broken I suspect you would have remembered it- when condoms fail they break wide open leaving no doubt that they have failed. As for slippage, as the long as the head of your penis was covered the condom would have done it's job. Finally, even in the unlikely circumstance that your partner had untreated HIV, the risk for infection from any single encounter is substantially less than 1 in 1000 (in other word, chances are 99,9% that you would not be infected).

Your symptoms are not suggestive of STIs, including HIV. Rashes associated with HIV or other STIs do not come and go, loose stools are not a symptom of recently acquired HIV, nor is dark urine. Muscle aches and pains that come and go could have numerous causes.

Finally, your tests prove that you were not infected. Your 2nd and 3rd generation HIV tests were taken at times when the results are conclusive. Similarly, had you acquired syphilis, your blood test would have been positive at 3 months.

Bottom line, at this point you can put your concerns about HIV or syphilis behind you and move forward without concern. There is no reason to worry further. Take care. EWH

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29 months ago

Hi Dr Hook,

Thank you for the quick response it's much appreciated.

Like most people I have my concerns over the self tests. Would you agree that a negative result on a 2nd generation self test would be 100% conclusive after 6 months?

Are you familiar with the Chembio Surecheck HIV self test if so what are your thoughts on its performance?

Edward W. Hook M.D.

29 months ago

You can have confidence in your test results. Will someone might mess things up on occasion, these tests are pretty foolproof and your multiple negative results reinforce each other. Please Belgians trust them- you do not have HIV.

I am familiar with the Chembiotest. It is a good test which provides reliable results.EWH

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28 months ago

Hi again,

Due to my ongoing concern I carried out a self sampling test which as you probably know is a sample taken by finger prick blood approximately 600ul which tested for "blood born virus's" at a lab which I belive is for HIV syphilis and hep

I spoke with the lab and they told me the specific test for HIV was the Roche Elecysy HIV DUO 4th generation. Have you any knowledge of this test?

The reason I am still concerned is because of my ongoing body aches and redness on penis head that comes and goes.

I went to my local GP regarding my symptoms who done FBC and he made me aware that my bloods were high and to drink more water and come back for further tests at a later date which has also made me a bit concerned.

Self sampling test was one 6-7 months post exposure.

Kind Regards

Edward W. Hook M.D.

28 months ago

As you know, we provide up to three responses to each client's questions. Thus this will be my final response. The Roche HIV DUO test is an FDA Approved, highly reliable test for HIV which provides conclusive results at any time more than 6 weeks after an exposure. Your results confirm the results you already have, proving that you did not acquire HIV from your exposure of concern. You need to put your concerns about HIV aside- you have proven (repeatedly) that you were not infected. Both of the symptoms you mention, body aches and redness of the penis that comes and goes are non-specific findings which have many non-STI, non-HIV causes.

I suspect that by "FBC" you mean a CDC which stands for Complete Blood Count. This too is a non-specific test which I suspect your doctor did to provide clues to why you are experiencing the symptoms you describe.

A final comment. I sense that you may be looking on the internet for an explanation for your symptoms. If so, please stop. Much of what is on the internet is alarmist and incorrect. Much of what is there is misleading either because it is taken out of context, because it is out of date, or because it is just plain wrong.

I hope my comments have been helpful. I urge you to put your concerns about HIV aside. EWH

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