False negatives

[concerned5192013]

I had unprotected vaginal sex with a CSW. This was my only incident of unprotected vaginal sex. HIV status of partner not known. Did the following tests since

22nd day HIV Ag/Ab Combo test non reactive (S/Co 0.12)
29th day HIV Ag/Ab Combo test non reactive (S/Co 0.20)
41st day HIV Ag/Ab Combo test non reactive (S/Co 0.14)
87th day HIV 1&2 Antibodies test non reactive


Around a month after exposure lymph nodes in the right posterior triangle area of the neck were swollen. Got them removed. The diagnosis says "Reactive Lymph nodes" which means there was some infection in the body, although apart from the HIV risky exposure there was no other known infection. (Could not talk to doctor about the risky exposure)

Is it possible that I was infected and the 4 tests that I did were false negatives and the reactive lymph node indicates the true picture, or that sero conversion started only at the 3 mo stage (but in which case the lymph nodes should not have swollen in the 1st month after exposure)

[Sonia_Arjan]

a standard antibody test after 3 months is conclusive.

[Vance2335]

No such thing as a false negative when taken at the proper time frame. The 3 month test is conclusive.

[concerned5192013]

Thanks for your prompt response. I don't mean to split hair here but the coincidence (if it is one) is freaking me out. To both of you, can the 87th day test ve considered 3 months? because 3 mo's can be 12 weeks (84 days) to 92 days, or should I go and get tested one more time?

[rami1979]

Can false negative occur if you had so many exposures and tested too late?

[Vance2335]

Your test is fine. 82 days, 12 weeks...etc, all the same.

rami-start a thread dedicated to your question.