HIV Testing Question

[JHUSA]

I had a total of two possible exposures. Exposure 1 was about 6 months ago and exposure 2 was exactly eight weeks ago. Both exposures from what I read were considered low risk, nonetheless, I've been scared stupid since. Today I purchased a Oraquick In-Home HIV test from my local CVS.

I followed the directions and took the test. It was an oral swabbing inside my mouth.  Fortunately the test returned as negative. I do understand that my first exposure was past the 3 month mark so I should be able to rule that as done and move on from it. The second possible exposure, as I said, was 8 weeks ago today. Does anyone know the following:

1. Does an 8 week negative test provide any direction as to being infected? Or do I need to test at the three month mark for it?

2. Is the test I took in general, a test that I can feel confident about or should I get an actual blood test?

3. I followed the directions of the test and swabbed where it said to, my saliva was however, semi thick because the directions said no food or drink within 30 minutes of taking the test and I was very nervous before taking it.

Thank you for your help.

[JHUSA]

Thanks. I just couldn't wrap my head around the fact that a small but fresh wound on a finger literally being soaked in vaginal fluid or vaginal fluid contacting the top of my penis weren't somewhat risky. I do understand that the virus is essentially one that needs to be forced into a body, but my thinking is infected fluid could enter my body in the previous ways I described. Appreciate your message. Have a good day.

[CurfewX]

I read your exposures in your previous post.  Both of those were zero risk, not low risk.  You never needed to test at all, so of course your results are conclusive.

Sexual risks include having unprotected, penetrative anal or vaginal sex.  That's it.  If you ever have such an encounter (which I don't recommend unless you know your partner's HIV and STD status), come back and we can talk about testing.