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Am I At Risk Of Having HIV?
I had a potentially high risk exposure to HIV when man removed condom during anal sex-had symptoms shortly after and had numerous antibody test up to one year after exposure-tested negative also had PCR-RNA test done for HIV at 9 months-negative-was screened for hep as well-negative-still having some symptoms-fatigue loss of appetite and hair loss and fatigue-should I retest? Not sure what to do know or what test to ask the doctor to perform-I m scared and have much anxiety
Thu, 8 May 2014
HIV infection is detected by:
1. detection of HIV antibody;
2. detection of HIV p24 antigen;
3. detection of viral RNA.
The HIV antibody test may be false negative (i.e. you have HIV infection, but, test results come negative) during the "window period". The "window period" lasts for about 4-6 weeks.
In your case, if the antibody tests done 6 weeks and beyond after infection were negative, you need not worry; you have not contracted HIV. A negative PCR-RNA any time after exposure confirms that HIV infection has not occurred.
1. detection of HIV antibody;
2. detection of HIV p24 antigen;
3. detection of viral RNA.
The HIV antibody test may be false negative (i.e. you have HIV infection, but, test results come negative) during the "window period". The "window period" lasts for about 4-6 weeks.
In your case, if the antibody tests done 6 weeks and beyond after infection were negative, you need not worry; you have not contracted HIV. A negative PCR-RNA any time after exposure confirms that HIV infection has not occurred.
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