Is my hiv test result conclusive?

[Madeaterriblemistake]

I recently had a negative result from a 4th generation venous blood laboratory HIV test at 6 weeks post exposure.

The result was negative and the clinic did not ask me to come back however I have since seen a range of conflicting information online like ‘the test is just 95% accurate at six weeks’ or that a confirmatory test at 8 weeks or 12 weeks is required for the result to be considered conclusive.

Can anyone confirm the truth please? Even if there was a very small chance that the virus could be undetectable at 6 weeks surely the clinic would have advised me to come back?

I want peace of mind in my head and don’t want to risk infecting anyone else if I could be HIV+

[Sara_MHModerator]

As our members have stated, based on the guidelines that we use set forth by experts we rely on for accurate information, you have tested conclusively.  

***  thread closed ***

[mike_no]

I am going to agree with you that there's lot of information available on the internet. FYI, in medical science; you must know that nothing is 100%. Also, different people will have different point of view, no official body or agency would like to take responsibility in dotted lines if something turns out to be unfortunate that might happen due to numerous factors. Hence, there is a lot of conservative information provided all around. However, we could understand some practical information based on studies and observation to arrive at a decision today.

In case of infection, p24 antigen becomes detectable at approximately 10 days post exposure, peaks at about 16 days and then it fluctuates over the rest of the course of infection. Usually, after detectable amount of antibodies are formed the p24 antigen is no longer detected.

Average time to sero-convert is 21 days (3weeks). A week following sero-conversion, detectable amount of antibodies are almost always formed. Hence, at 28 days (4 weeks) most people that contracted the virus will start testing positive on a third generation antibody test.

A IV Gen test (p24 ag + III Gen AB Test) is an antibody and antigen sandwich that is recommended at 28th day for best result because if you have sero-converted, the antibody part of the test will yield a positive result. Or, if you are in delayed process of sero-conversion the p24 antigen part of the test will detect the antigen.

Therefore at 6 weeks, if you were actually infected antibodies must have been detected. Unless, you are on chemotherapy or had an organ transplant or some part of your body was amputated lately, you have no reason to worry about delayed sero-conversion and testing out to 12 weeks.

Dr.HHH - MD, an HIV expert that used to post here, has  helped a lot of people across the globe, has expressed that at 4th week a IV Gen HIV test is at about 98% accurate and at six week it is conclusive. Personally, I am yet to see a 6 weeks negative changing ahead, haven't seen it in last 10+ years - not even one.

Hope this helps you. Good Luck.

[Madeaterriblemistake]

Thank you

[Madeaterriblemistake]

Sorry to trouble you again but I am now 8 weeks post exposure and have come down with intense flue symptoms including fever and sore throat. Should I re test in light of these symptoms?

[CurfewX]

No.  You tested conclusively negative for HIV.  Whatever is causing your symptoms has NOTHING to do with HIV.  Move on from this event.

[AnxiousNoMore]

The highest odds are that someone coughed on your food or lips and you got a sore throat or flu. Nothing unusual about that so it proves nothing. You need to find a way to accept that because you will have many more flu in your life and should not waste your time creating hiv theories each time.

[Madeaterriblemistake]

I don’t want to challenge either of you but I really do need to be 100% sure. I haven’t been unwell with these symptoms for several years and suddenly 8 weeks post exposure I have very bad flu and sore throat plus white patches inside my mouth:

BASHH guidelines seem to suggest 8 weeks for a conclusive result ...
https://www.bashhguidelines.org/current-guidelines/hiv/bashheaga-position-statement-on-hiv-testing-window-period-2014/

[AnxiousNoMore]

This is not a forum to discuss whatever claims you can find on the internet because we rely on the opinion of expert doctors instead. It is up to you to pick a guideline that you are comfortable with, however at some point you need to accept that disease does not follow a schedule - so your claim of a prior history of never feeling unwell is irrelevant (and unlikely too).

[AnxiousNoMore]

I answered that on the thread that you hijacked.And the reason we ask about  your risk is 95% of posters had no risk but don't believe it.

[mike_no]

What was your exposure?

[Madeaterriblemistake]

Unprotected vaginal with female of unknown status. But scientifically does that matter? Even if the exposure was much higher risk I.e receptive anal surely the window period is the same for a truly conclusive result?