Test results after unprotected, receptive anal sex

[kookslams]

Risk:
- Receptive, condomless anal sex with a status-unknown partner who ejaculated inside

Test:
- HIV-1 RNA Qualitative test
- Taken at Day 15 (counting date of intercourse as Day 0)

Result:
- Not detected

There is so much information out there regarding window periods and accuracy and such that I am quite confused as to how to interpret this. I do intend to do a 4th generation test at Day 28 or Day 42, the sooner of the two that would confidently give me a conclusive result. Any advice appreciated, thank you.

[GuitarRox]

The RNA is a good indication you are negative from your exposure. Confirm with a 4th generation DUO as you plan to do. I'm guessing it WILL be negative.  While you had a risk with unprotected anal, it's still low. A one time  unprotected risk like that is less than 1 percent chance of HIV transmission so odds are in your favor to not get hiv from this. So, confirm you're negative at day 28 with the DUO test.

[kookslams]

Due to scheduling logistics, the clinic near me can get me in for either a day 25 test for 4th gen, or the soonest after that is a day 40 test (or any day after that). Do you think the 3 day difference is enough that the day 25 test is not valuable and I should wait until day 40, or would a day 25 test still be worthwhile? More so than anything else right now for me is the anxiety of waiting and being in the state of unknown. I am tempted to go with the day 25 test but I will follow informed advice. Thank you.

[GuitarRox]

Then do 40 days. Expect it to be negative. I would not worry.

[kookslams]

Thank you for the response. I will do a 40-ish day test then. I don't know this field so it is fascinating that just a 3 day difference between 25 and 28 days is enough to recommend at 40 day test instead.

[AnxiousNoMore]

No one specifically recommended 40 days. You can take it anytime after 28 but you said you can't get there until 40.

The guidelines are 28 days so that is why no one here can tell you that 25 is enough.

[kookslams]

Yeah I'm not taking away from this that 40 days is any sort of guideline. More commenting on that given a choice between 25 and 40, the recommendation is still 40 to at least get to 28 rather than take the 25. I just find it interesting.

[GuitarRox]

kookslams, yes, if given just the two choices of 25 days or 40 days, wait until 40. Would a test at 25 days that is negative change? HIGHLY unlikely but the way anxiety works, it's a needless test as you'd still worry and just retest. If they say to wait X amount of time before testing,  one should. Do it the right way so there is no question. You made it sound like it was EITHER a test on day 25 OR a test on day 40. A test on day 28 or beyond is fine. But wait until day 28 at least.

[kookslams]

I could possibly test at both 25 days and 40 days but that just seemed silly. Just doing one at the right time should be sufficient. So I was trying to decide which one, and per the recommendation I went and scheduled for the 40.