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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Are Negative STD Test Results After 3 Weeks Of Possible Exposure Conclusive?

I tested negative for all stds 3 weeks after a potential exposure. The contact was for less than 30 seconds and I cleaned thoroughly immediately after contact. I am and have been asymptomatic since the potential exposure. Should I feel comfortable that have not contracted anything.
posted on Thu, 14 May 2015
Twitter Mon, 26 Apr 2021 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 28 Apr 2021 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

Time taken for the STDs to show up in the test may differ from disease to disease. Also it can vary person to person. Still most of the common STDs may test positive within 3 weeks after the exposure. Generally, chlamydia shows positive within 7-21 days, gonorrhea within 1-14 days and oral as well as genital herpes within 2-12 days. However, syphilis test can be positive after 3 weeks to 20 years depending on the stage of disease. Similarly, some of STDs like hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HPV, all have incubation period more than a month usually.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Satnarain Bansal, General & Family Physician
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Are Negative STD Test Results After 3 Weeks Of Possible Exposure Conclusive?

Hi, Time taken for the STDs to show up in the test may differ from disease to disease. Also it can vary person to person. Still most of the common STDs may test positive within 3 weeks after the exposure. Generally, chlamydia shows positive within 7-21 days, gonorrhea within 1-14 days and oral as well as genital herpes within 2-12 days. However, syphilis test can be positive after 3 weeks to 20 years depending on the stage of disease. Similarly, some of STDs like hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HPV, all have incubation period more than a month usually. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Satnarain Bansal, General & Family Physician