Does Negative Result Of HIV Tests After 7 Weeks Of Exposure Rule Out Possibility Of Positive HIV In Future?

Posted on Mon, 2 Dec 2013

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

Mon, 2 Dec 2013 Answered on

Tue, 24 Dec 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : hi , I had a hiv blood test done at my doctors office 7 weeks after exposure. (51) days exactly ,and one week later they called and said it was negative. Im not sure what kind of blood test so im hoping it is a current method. The dr is in southern California and part of a large group. They also did my cbc which came back normal. Today I took a oraquick saliva test at home and was negative , 10 weeks exactly post exposure. I know im supposed to wait 3 months but I was wondering what you thought about my status?? Ive been really scared and nervous.

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Western Blot technique Detailed Answer: Hello Thanks for the query You are right about the window period being 3 months and it is possible to have false negative values until then. However if you are eager to get the results then you can get a HIV test done through western blot technique instead of the ELISA which is usually done. Another test would be to get a HIV RNA viral load. I hope I was of help, if you have any further queries please get back to me Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar