Hi Doctor,
I live in the USA and recently had a sexual encounter with a female of which i am concerned.
I have been experiencing flu-like symptoms including a sore throat, fatigue, and muscle pains.
At 2 weeks after the possible infection, i was concerned and got tested with the HIV-DNA by PCR and the HIV EIA tests through LabCorp which came back as Negative (HIV-1 DNA not detected) and Non reactive (with an Abs-Index value of <1.00)
Later, I learned about the so called "window period" for the virus and so i retested at 6 weeks after the possible infection date with the same test results. It is now 8 weeks after the incident and i want to move on with my life. However, i am still really concerned about the validity of these tests. The labs that i have went through say that the DNA PCR test is completely conclusive after 28 days, but i have received conflicting information from various other sources.
My question how conclusive the DNA PCR test truly is at 6 weeks and whether or not i should be retested again at a later date. Am i continuing to worry myself for no reason?
Thanks, your professional advice would be greatly appreciated.