Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Is It Possible To Have Hiv Symptoms And The Test
Question: Is it possible to have hiv symptoms and the test negative?
I mean if I have hiv symptoms and test is negative, can this considered that the symptoms that I have not related to HIV virus
Test done in 21 days after the relationship
I mean if I have hiv symptoms and test is negative, can this considered that the symptoms that I have not related to HIV virus
Test done in 21 days after the relationship
Brief Answer:
Test done on 21 days after the exposure can not be considered as conclusive
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to 'Ask A Doctor' service.
Thanks for posting your query.
HIV tests are of two types broadly.
1. Antibody detecting tests (used commonly-Rapid test, ELISA, etc.) which can become reactive only after 4-6 weeks and even delayed up to 12 weeks after the exposure.
2. Antigen detecting tests (done bu only sophisticated labs- DNA PCR, RNA PCR, P24 Antigen tests, etc.) which will become reactive within a weeks time after the infection but more reliable after 3-4 weeks.
Regarding symptom in HIV Infection 50-70% will have flu-like symptoms 4-6 weeks after the exposure which usually go unnoticed and regular symptoms may appear 5-7 years or more after the infection.
Any symptoms of HIV can be confirmed only with serological tests. Because most of the early symptoms can occur to anybody in the absence of HIV also.
Regards
Dr S.Murugan
Test done on 21 days after the exposure can not be considered as conclusive
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to 'Ask A Doctor' service.
Thanks for posting your query.
HIV tests are of two types broadly.
1. Antibody detecting tests (used commonly-Rapid test, ELISA, etc.) which can become reactive only after 4-6 weeks and even delayed up to 12 weeks after the exposure.
2. Antigen detecting tests (done bu only sophisticated labs- DNA PCR, RNA PCR, P24 Antigen tests, etc.) which will become reactive within a weeks time after the infection but more reliable after 3-4 weeks.
Regarding symptom in HIV Infection 50-70% will have flu-like symptoms 4-6 weeks after the exposure which usually go unnoticed and regular symptoms may appear 5-7 years or more after the infection.
Any symptoms of HIV can be confirmed only with serological tests. Because most of the early symptoms can occur to anybody in the absence of HIV also.
Regards
Dr S.Murugan
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
You forgot all what has been written and just answered the part related to 21 days !!
Would you please ignore this part of my question and answer the only first part
Would you please ignore this part of my question and answer the only first part
Brief Answer:
Symptoms of HIV can exist only with HIV positive result.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back
It was there in my answer and also in the answer to your other query regarding the symptoms.
In very early stage, (Acute infection, Seroconversion illness or Primary infection), Flu like symptoms or rashes can appear before the antibody tests become positive. common antibody tests would show a negative report. (That is called as window period). During this time also, if you go for Antigen tests (PCR, P24 Antigen test) you will get a positive result.
In the absence of a nonreactive HIV tests (antigen or antibody detection tests) any symptoms are not specific to HIV and nobody can say it is due to HI, but can say probably due to HIV infection.
Dr S.Murugan
Symptoms of HIV can exist only with HIV positive result.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back
It was there in my answer and also in the answer to your other query regarding the symptoms.
In very early stage, (Acute infection, Seroconversion illness or Primary infection), Flu like symptoms or rashes can appear before the antibody tests become positive. common antibody tests would show a negative report. (That is called as window period). During this time also, if you go for Antigen tests (PCR, P24 Antigen test) you will get a positive result.
In the absence of a nonreactive HIV tests (antigen or antibody detection tests) any symptoms are not specific to HIV and nobody can say it is due to HI, but can say probably due to HIV infection.
Dr S.Murugan
Note: Get personalized answers to your HIV related queries You can choose to talk face to face with your doctor. Book a Video Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
