Testing accuracy

[Knickel]

I have been reading quite a bit about testing windows and accuracy of test results. I had an encounter with a sex worker in Asia. It was protected but with a strange twist. Protected intercourse then condom removed for handjob. Then intercourse again. Only after event did I realise that the same condom was used! Dont know how she got it back on or if it was put on inside out exposing fluids on the condom or if it was broken to let air escape when refitted. From memory it looked intact. Very scary to say the least. About 7 days later my partner suffered from discharge and irritated genitals. Tested at two weeks with negative results. Given metrodizol as doctor said it was bacterial vaginosis.

I got the following tests at 25 days (3.5 weeks) after exposure.
Urine test for; clamydia; gonoreah; ureaplasma
Blood test including
T Pallidum antibody; HIV Duo Ag p24 & Anitbody 28 day test; Herpes Virus 2 Antibody IgG; VDRL/RPR

All came back negative.

It is now 72 days (10 weeks) post exposure and only now am I experiencing any strange symptoms. They include swollen and sore lymph glands in the groin on both sides and feel like small peas. It feels like a radiating heat that extends to upper thighs and it is constant. No other lymph glands seem swollen. Very slight irritation in the penis but no burning when urinating or discharge. Hope I am not imaginating this symptom. Swollen glands are no illusion though.

My question is how accurate are the above tests at 25 days (3.5 weeks)? I have read that the HIV Duo test is very accurate at 28 days. Also read that most of the above tests would show positive if I had caught any nasties. Do my symptoms suggest any STI infection and false negative results. Which STI should I be most concerned about regarding window period and the time of testing. Any answers would be great.

[gracefromHHP]

hiv related questions need asked on the hiv forum we don't cover hiv here other than suggesting when to get tested after an encounter.

many things can cause lymph nose enlargement. follow up with your providers as needed.  you can contract hiv from protected encounters but the risk of such is very low.

[Knickel]

Hi Grace,

Must say that right now I am really, really freaking out. I went to my GP about my swollen lymph nodes in the groin. He identified that there were 3 swollen on each side. He was unable to identify any reason for the infection. He suggested that it could be an STI. He gave me some anti-biotics and said if no change I need to get tested again.

Now my lymph nodes in my neck under my jaw have have swelled up and are painful just like my groin. I can actually see them! I am also now getting hot flushes and aches and pains.

Grace, I got a full STI screen at 25 days. Everything came back negative. But I have been looking on the net and general swollen lymph glands not specific to one area are assosiated with HIV seroconversion. In almost all acute infection phases, the lymph nodes will be swollen as a result of the body's immune response to the introduction of HIV. I had the HIV Duo Ag p24 & Anitbody 28 day test and it was negative. It is now day 79 since exposure. I am so afraid and dont want to get tested again as I am sure that I am experiencing seroconversion without doubt. I am so confused that feel this way and yet had negative results. Grace, when I told my partner what I did she left me and took my children. Just two weeks ago we got back together. Now, not only do I have these confirmed symptoms by a GP but I may have given it to partner. Oh, my god.

Please, what is the likely hood that my test was a false negative? Knickel

[gracefromHHP]

I still wouldn't be worried about this much at all.  

hard enough to put them back on again, don't imagine turning it inside out would be any easier plus I"m sure she's careful to protect herself too and wouldn't want your ejaculate inside her.  

[Knickel]

Thanks Grace,

Yes I was slightly piddled.....well maybe highly. Confirmed it was same condom after the event with her. Still puzzles the hell out of me how she did it!  I thought it was a new one. I wasnt looking. Hence my fear of which side was put on and the possible exposure to fluid on the condom if it was put on 'outside' in. Or, that it was broken to let air escape when refitted. So, I take it that the risk is very small from your comment that it was 'protected sex' despite doubts stated above. I have learnt that swollen sore groin lymph glands are assosiated with syphilis. Given that 10 - 90 day window for syphilis and my testing at 25 days remains a risk. Yes, I need peace of mind. I now get why so many people describe massive anxiety on these posts. So, nice reading how people helping each other out with advice and calming words. Thanks

Knickel

[gracefromHHP]

this was protected sex. reusing a condom isn't recommended but it doesn't really increase your risk. sounds like perhaps you weren't of sound mind at the time ( e.g. under the influence of alcohol )- are you sure they didn't get a new condom and you didn't know it? I can't imagine that someone could put back on use condom without you realizing it at the time. perhaps I just have more to learn?

you need to be seen for your current symptoms. odds are they aren't std related. honestly it's probably not even worth repeating your std testing but if you need the peace of mind do so at the 3 month mark.

grace

[kdaily]

you didn't have a risk for HIV, chlamydia, gono, ngu trick...

you only had a very small risk for Syphilis, HSV, and HPV... conclusive testing is 6-8 seeks for syphilis and 3 months for HSV. 25 days is a good indication.