Is HIV Test Results At 6th And 9 Week After Exposure Conclusive?

Posted on Fri, 11 Apr 2014

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

Fri, 11 Apr 2014 Answered on

Fri, 2 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I was put on PEP Virotrenz at 24 hrs after a possible low risk exposure to HIV through fingering vagina of a sex worker ( her status not known) with an abraded finger. I had completed the 30 day PEP course without missing a dose. My anitbody/antigen tests were performed with a fully automated chemiluminescence method at baseline, 6 weeks, and 9 weeks post possible exposure. All tests came out negative to my relief. my question is can i rest assured now or do i still need to take another test at 12 weeks?

Answered by Dr. Lohit K (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: 12 week test required to ruleout late sero convers Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for using HCM. I went through the query and understood your concern. Post exposure did you suffer from any symptoms like fever, rash, fatigue, pharyngitis or any other symptoms. Usually primary infection will be symptomatic in 70-80% of cases. Since you had started PEP and complted the course and also the tests are negative till 9 week the chance of HIV infection is less as the development of specific anti HIV antibodies takes 2weeks to maximum 12 weeks with median at 8 weeks. But the protection with PEP is not absolute. So just to rule out late conversion get tested at 12 week once. I hope this information helps you. Feel free to ask for any further queries. I will be glad to answer them. Wish you good health. Regards

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

Follow up: Dr. Lohit K (21 minutes later)

Thank you doctor for your reply. Actually the reason i got myself tested at nine weeks was because i had been experiencing muscle and stomach cramps a week earlier. no diarrohea. I must mention that i have been anxious and stressed over the past two months . I didnot have fever, and no specific outbreak of rash during this period, though few rashes do occur every year during summer after gym workout which dissapear overnight. As for fatigue physically my strength has improved as i have been spending more time working out to keep my mind off the stress but mentally i feel tired. So basically - mental tiredness, muscle cramps, and stomach cramps without any diarrohea. My questions Could PEP have prolonged my window period? So is 8 weeks the median even with the combo antibody/antigen test? Are muscle cramps and stomach cramps also a known symptom? Is there an even more sensitive test that i can do at this poitn of time? 10th week running. I would like to thank you again for your time.

Answered by Dr. Lohit K (10 hours later)

Brief Answer: relax. you have already proved to be negative Detailed Answer: Hi Be relaxed. With PEP and tests being negative even after 9 weeks your chance of being suffering from HIV is almost nil. The symptoms you told may be due to drugs also. So no need to worry now. Usually with HIV infection the primary presentation will be similar to any viral infection. Your symptoms were different from them. With the result you have already proved that you are not suffering from HIV. The 12th week test is just to confirm it. Window period depends mainly on your physical health. You don't need to repeat test with any other tests. Hope this helps you. Be relaxed and enjoy your life. wish you good health. Regards

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