A Few Weeks Ago I Got An HIV Blood Test That Came Back Non-reactive Is It Possible To Have HIV And Test Negative After 8 Years

Posted on Sat, 1 Aug 2020

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 1 Aug 2020 Answered on

Wed, 6 Aug 2025 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello,
8 years ago I had relatively risky sex with someone. About 5 years ago I got an oral swab HIV rapid test that came back negative. A few weeks ago I got an HIV blood test that came back non-reactive. Is it possible to have HIV and test negative after 8 years because antibodies are gone or the virus is dormant? Or should I consider these results conclusive? Thanks

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Results are conclusive.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, welcome to Ask a doctor's service.
I read your query and here is my advice.

I think you should consider these results conclusive.
You have done three different tests and all are negative. The probability of your body fighting out the virus and negativisaton of test is very low.
Also the probability of HIV staying dormant with negative test is very low if not zero.
You should consider the results conclusive that you don't have hiv.

Hope I have answered the question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T