testing after risky encounter

[jam415]

hello doctor, here is my story. back in dec i had an unprotected encounter with a girl. i am 28 circumsised male. a few weeks later she has informed me that she has just tested positive for hiv. so i tested at 5 weeks elisa blood test which came back non reactive i tested again at 8 weeks also non reactive finally at 3 months and 3 weeks i tested again via elisa blood test which came back negative. i am reading that after a high risk encounter 6 month testing is recommended. do you agree with this 6 months time frame? or can i accept my 3 months and 3 weeks conclusive? i just want peace of mind and to move on with my life.

[jam415]

thank you for your time dr.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

No, the presence of a fistula will have no affect on your test results. EWH

[jam415]

one last question dr then i will go. ive had a anal fistula for over a decade. and had it surgically repaired. i had the test done before my surgery. my question is will having that fistula for that long have any affect on my tetsing? and also how would i know if i were immunosuppressed? i recently had a cbc test and everything came back normal.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

1.  No, taking antibiotics would have no effect on the accuracy of the tests.

2.  We do not recommend the 6 point test.  As I told you your results are conclusive.  Thee is no need for further testing.  EWH

[jam415]

thank you for your response doctor. yes i know she is having a difficult time in her life and i am here to support her. i just have some follow up questions if you dont mind.
1. after this incident i was paranoid with other STDs so i took high quantity of antibiotics for stds. including zithromax 4g. does antibiotics or any medications affect or delay testing results?

2.ive also read that 6 months is only recommended for certain cases. do you know what would qualify for a 6 month test?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to our Forum.  I'll be happy to comment.  Your HIV test results are conclusive and should be believed.  Currently used HIV antibody tests provide definitive results related to infection at any time more than 8 weeks after exposure.  Thus you have not one but two conclusive tests which prove that you were not infected.  That your partner was known to be HIV infected does not  change the reliability of the test results.

I hope that you won't mind but I feel That I should point out that your sex partner did a wonderful thing in letting you know she was infected.  I am sure this was a difficult thing for her to do.  She needs your friendship and support as she grapples with her newly discovered infection.

I hope this comment is helpful.  EWH