Retested at 22 days. Negative DNA PCR, negative antibody. I'm done worrying.
As I said, earlier, your exposure carried not risk for HIV. Your negative PCR just serves to re-inforce what I have just said. there was no need for PCR testing to begin with and that is still the case. EWH
I got my 8 day Qualitative DNA PCR test results back and they were negative!!! So relieved. I'm inclined to get the PCR again next week to be 100% certain, what are your thoughts?
That is alarming as I was struck by lightning at age 13. I think your response was tongue in cheek but in my fragile state I'm more freaked out than before.
Please see my answer above. There is a chance but the chance is far smaller than the chance that you will be hit by lightening. Please don't be worried. EWH
Thank you so much for your expert opinion. I don't doubt that you are right that I have no risk of hiv but yet I still have trouble accepting it. I'm seriously scared and I'm having trouble functioning even with the Ativan. Is there any chance the encounter I described could result in HIV infection? Is there any reason I shouldn't have unprotected sex with my wife?
I won't ask any more questions. Thank you so much, this is a valuable service. Given how many terrified people there are on these boards it's a wonder we have sex at all. I've learned my lesson. Nothing is worth this stress!
There are no studies which provide information on exactly when all person with newly acquired HIV will have postive PCR tests but most experts believe results would be defintive by 2-3 weeks after an exposure. I hope this is helpful. EWH
I was clicking the was the answer helpful on my ipad and it was small and I must have hit no when I meant to hit yes. It should have a confirmation pop-up. I would like a more clear answer as to whether a pcr dna test is accurate at 8 days, false positives notwithstanding.
Thanks for the answer. Aside from the risk of false positive is 8 days long enough to get an accurate result?
Welcome to our Forum. I will be glad to add my comments to those of the doctors you've already spoken with. The exposure you describe was NO RISK for HIV or for other STDs. Most commercial sex workers do not have HIV and most unprotected exposures to infected partners do not lead to transmission. Your use of a condom transformed this low risk exposure into a no risk exposure. As a result, there is no medical reason for even testing. I am sure that your tests will be negative.
Please note that while PCR testing is not recommended for HIV diagnosis, the reason is because of false positive tests. Your test, as I have already said will be negative. When it is, there is no reason for further testing.
I hope my comments are helpful. EWH