Is A Negative ELISA HIV Test Conclusive 3 Months Post Exposure?

Posted on Sun, 14 Jun 2015

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

Sun, 14 Jun 2015 Answered on

Mon, 6 Jul 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I had a incident where I thought I might have poked myself with a subcutaneous dirty needle at work. I have had 2 negative Elisa HIV tests after 3 months. Also I have had several negative oraquick tests. I developed a dermatitis and some small mouth sores. Can I believe the test results? thanks

Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (41 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Almost, but get another test just for confirmation

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome.

Thank you for writing to us.

I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. The first thing to acknowledge here is that HIV infection through needle pricking is highly unlikely and holds very slight chance, and is mostly negligible.

The next thing to consider here is that you have returned a negative result after 3 months of testing, which is good but not I would still recommend a more accurate investigation like a HIV DUO test which is about 99.8 % accurate when taken anytime after 28 days from suspected transmission.

I hope and pray all is well, but so far I do believe that you are HIV-free. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I would be more than happy to help.

Best wishes.

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

Follow up: Dr. Shoaib Khan (9 minutes later)

I have also had 2 perfectly normal CBC and head and abdominal CT scans. I never had a fever or nausea/vomiting. I constantly worry that I may have contracted HIV. Thanks

Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (48 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Seems unlikely to me ma'am

Detailed Answer:
Hello once again ma'am.

It seems unlikely to me ma'am, and I only recommend the HIV DUO test for your satisfaction, as this would help you put the incident behind you and rest without any worries.

Best wishes.

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

Follow up: Dr. Shoaib Khan (2 minutes later)

thanks for your help. I'm a worry wort.

Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It was my pleasure to be of assistance

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

It is best to worry for your health at all times, and I think you have just the right amount of concern. Don't worry, I am almost completely sure you are HIV-free.

Best wishes.

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