Is Negative Rapid HIV Test Result 30 Days After Exposure Conclusive?

Posted on Thu, 29 Sep 2016

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

Thu, 29 Sep 2016 Answered on

Thu, 20 Oct 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi

My last sex was aug 22th

And i did HIV test today sep 29th

The test is rapid HIV test
With My finger blood

And it says not reactive
(Theres only reactive or not reactive)

Then.. That means I dont have HIV ??
Its pretty much over a month after the last sex..

Or do i have to wait for more times?

Thank you!

Answered by Dr. Ramadevi Wani (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Take the test again at 3 months.

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear,

Welcome to Health Care Magic. I am Dr Ramadevi Wani. I appreciate your concerns.

The Rapid HIV test is a antibody test. After exposure it takes about 3 weeks to 3 months to produce antibody. Therefore take the test again at 3 months ( from the time of exposure). In the meantime practice only safe sex.

A small percentage (2-3%) of them take longer to develop antibodies. If you are anxious, get tested again at 6 months.

I hope this is helpful.
If you have any further concerns, do write to me.

Best wishes,
Dr Rama

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Ramadevi Wani (1 hour later)

So its pretty much passed 5 weeks .. So its also kinda negative right now right?

Im going to take testing again after 3 months tho..
This is also kinda negative result right,,,?

Thank you!!!

Answered by Dr. Ramadevi Wani (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
One cannot predict the result of 3 months test based on this test result.

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear,
Welcome back.

As of now the test is negative. Please note that one cannot predict the result of the 3 months test based on this test result. Let us hope and pray that it is negative.

If you have further queries, do write to me.

Best wishes,
Dr Rama

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee