10 week test - do I need to test again

[westofengland]

Dear Doctors
On September 15th last year, I performed brief cunnilingus on a lady i met on a dating site, and proceeded to have condom protected sex which we did not finish, it lasted maybe a minute and a bit. The lady lived in London and said she did not have any STIs. She was not a sex worker.

Again, the oral sex was very brief and I was not aware that I had any significant mouth ulcers or bleeding from my gums (i was careful not to clean my teeth beforehand). My only concern is that she bled a bit during the condom protected sex, probably from me being too rough - which is the reason we stopped after a couple of minutes. She was not bleeding during the previous oral sex and said she was not menstruating. To be honest it was a bit of disaster!

Being a natural worrier, I went to Bath Hospital GUM and had a standard HIV and syphilis test at just over 10 weeks (72 days). This came back negative. (I got the dates mixed and thought it was more like 90 days, hence them giving me the test)

Was this too soon? I called Terrence Higgins trust and they said that the low risk of the initial exposure, combined with the fact that tests around 10 weeks are still pretty reliable, meant I was probably OK

It's still worrying me though - I know there are no guarantees but is it correct that an HIV test from a well regarded GUM would likely pick most infections up right at 72 days? Could I still be positive? I am in very good health and have no other immune system issues (i did not get any likely symptoms of HIV infection after the exposure)

Many thanks

[westofengland]

thanks so much Dr. Turns out the Bath Royal United Hospital GUM clinic does an antibody AND antigen test so I guess it's even better news at 72 days. This window period thing is silly I wish the NHS would have a standardised test and update its info

all the best

[Dr. Jose Gonzalez-Garcia, MD, MRCGP, PhD]

In most NHS GUM clinics they are still sticking to the old guidelines regarding HIV testing.  As mentioned above, a negative test after 8 weeks is conclusive, in all individuals who are otherwise healthy without any other underlying illness, which is your case.  Your girlfriend's symptoms are not those of ARS, temperature too low and a sore throat.  I am sure it is not the first time that she has a sore throat, and it will nto be the last one.  So many people are having colds and viral infections at the moment and that is all it is.  try to relax, man.  You are fine!
All the best,
Dr Jose

[westofengland]

Just to add to my anxiety - my new girlfriend is now off work with what she says is a sore throat and a temperature of 37.6 degrees centigrade... I am terrified she has ARS or something as we have been having sex over the last few weeks (and once the condom came for a minute or so)

I really hope that 10 week test result is conclusive and I don't need to worry, help :(

[westofengland]

Ok and thanks, still be interested to hear what Dr Jose says :)

[halfoldman]

just for ur info, there was a conference where Drs where asked to raise their hands if they have tested  someone neg and neg at 6 weeks and pos later.NO HANDS WENT UP, I dont remember where i read this but i did, probably someone on this forum can help.... So dude u are clear

[westofengland]

sorry I don't want to labour the point but if as you say 10 weeks is so conclusive why is Bath GUM still sticking to the 12 week window period in its website? As I understand it they are being conservative to cover all eventualities - eg people who might have other immune system issues which means that HIV antibodies might not show up, right? And to take into account people who might not remember exactly when their risky encounter was?

This window period issue is really confusing and vague. Terrence Higgins trust says 'most' people will show antibodies within two months but what does 'most' mean - 90% 99% Do you know of ANY cases where somebody has proven positive after a negative antibody test at ten weeks? The body.com says test after two months too

Thanks again - promise I will move on now LOL

[Dr. Jose Gonzalez-Garcia, MD, MRCGP, PhD]

Hi there,
It certainly does not sound like the ideal evening.  The only good thing about it though, I presume, is that you did not put yourself at risk of HIV infection.  Cunnilingus is quite a low risk sexual activity, which does not involve any HIV risk, and would only possibly involve a risk of Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis and Herpes in the mouth.  Your syphilis test was negative and you have not had any symptoms.  Cunnilingus is not considered risky for HIV because your saliva destroys the virus, even if you have bleeding gums and mouth ulcers; you would need to practically drink gallons of vaginal fluid with high viral concentration.  Therefore from your oral encounter, you are absolutely fine.  From the brief protected penetrative intercourse, you do not need to be worried as it was safe, even if she bled.  You had a condom on and that is totally fine without any risk whatsoever.
In addition to all of this, you had a HIV antibody test, negative at 10 weeks.  This is nowadays totally reliable.  One does not necessarily needs to wait 90 days anymore; a negative test result after 8 weeks is conclusive.  You are definitely HIV negative!!
Best wishes,
Dr Jose

[westofengland]

thanks so much doctor you guys offer a brilliant service and all the best to Freedom Health