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Do i need a test
Hello doctor. I have read through other questions so I will try not to repeat them.
Well I had unprotected sex 5 months ago, I became worried after 3 months when I started to have a tender feeling in my testicles, and then a small rash on my neck, and a bit of a sore throat. I had no fever or night sweats. But I became a little stressed out, so last week the girl got tested, she tested negative. Then this week I went for a general physical, I told the doctor what happened, he said none of my glands are swollen, and the situation was relativley low risk. He said he did not feel I need an hiv test, so he gave me the cbc test. He said that if my body had an infection this test would show red flags because the cell count would be off, Is this true? He said the white cell would be high or low, and if that was the case he would perform other test. I was just wondering if his info is reliable, and he said all my cell counts are good, so it appears im infection free. Do you think I need to pursue any furhter testing? Does the cbc test show signs of possible infection by cell count?
Thank you
Well I had unprotected sex 5 months ago, I became worried after 3 months when I started to have a tender feeling in my testicles, and then a small rash on my neck, and a bit of a sore throat. I had no fever or night sweats. But I became a little stressed out, so last week the girl got tested, she tested negative. Then this week I went for a general physical, I told the doctor what happened, he said none of my glands are swollen, and the situation was relativley low risk. He said he did not feel I need an hiv test, so he gave me the cbc test. He said that if my body had an infection this test would show red flags because the cell count would be off, Is this true? He said the white cell would be high or low, and if that was the case he would perform other test. I was just wondering if his info is reliable, and he said all my cell counts are good, so it appears im infection free. Do you think I need to pursue any furhter testing? Does the cbc test show signs of possible infection by cell count?
Thank you
A related discussion, Quick question was started.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Yes, a negative rapid oral HIV test is just as reliable as a blood test. All HIV tests are 100% after 3 months; usually just 6 weeks is enough. Your result proves you did not catch HIV. All is well.
Hi doctor. I went and got tested at the local clinic. They did the rapid oral test (takes 20 min for results). It came back negative, thank god! But I was wondering if this test is as reliable as a blood test? And is it accurate at 19 weeks. The test was exactally 19 weeks after the incident.
Thanks
Thanks
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome to the forum.
I agree with most of what your doctor said: that you had a low risk exposure, especially since you know for sure your partner wasn't infected; that your symptoms did not suggest a new HIV infection; and that from a strictly medical or risk assessment perspective, you did not need HIV testing.
But I disagree that a complete blood count (CBC) is a substitute for HIV testing. It is not. The CBC may be abnormal in people with new HIV infections, but usually is normal. I do not understand why your doctor advised against an HIV test; it is usually best to go along when anxious persons request testing, just for the psychological value of confirming that no infection is present. Anyway, CDC recommends that everybody have at least one HIV test somewhere along the line -- and this obviously is a good time, when it's on your mind.
If this reassurance settles your fears, you can just drop it. But if you remain unconvinced, call your doc's office and request it again; or visit your local health department for a low cost (possibly free) HIV test. This is not "code" to suggest I really believe there was any significant risk; if your sexual history is accurate, it is impossible you caught HIV. So ultimately it is up to you.
Probably I don't need to say it, but you should get into the condom habit. It only makes sense, and think how much less worried you would be if you had used a condom during the events 5 months ago.
I hope this helps. Good luck-- HHH, MD
I agree with most of what your doctor said: that you had a low risk exposure, especially since you know for sure your partner wasn't infected; that your symptoms did not suggest a new HIV infection; and that from a strictly medical or risk assessment perspective, you did not need HIV testing.
But I disagree that a complete blood count (CBC) is a substitute for HIV testing. It is not. The CBC may be abnormal in people with new HIV infections, but usually is normal. I do not understand why your doctor advised against an HIV test; it is usually best to go along when anxious persons request testing, just for the psychological value of confirming that no infection is present. Anyway, CDC recommends that everybody have at least one HIV test somewhere along the line -- and this obviously is a good time, when it's on your mind.
If this reassurance settles your fears, you can just drop it. But if you remain unconvinced, call your doc's office and request it again; or visit your local health department for a low cost (possibly free) HIV test. This is not "code" to suggest I really believe there was any significant risk; if your sexual history is accurate, it is impossible you caught HIV. So ultimately it is up to you.
Probably I don't need to say it, but you should get into the condom habit. It only makes sense, and think how much less worried you would be if you had used a condom during the events 5 months ago.
I hope this helps. Good luck-- HHH, MD
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