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Is HIV Test Done 6 Months After Exposure Conclusive?

Posted on Sat, 15 Oct 2016

Question: Dear Sir,
Thanks for the great help which you doing for public and community.

Almost four and half Month ago, I had a risky sexual behavior with a commercial sex worker which was condom break situation.

And I was not aware about status of CSW also whether positive or Negative.
I asked the CSW to get tested but she Denied to test.

Then after spending sleepless day and Night i decided to get tested.

Test details are..

18 days-HIV 1& 2 Antibody + P24 antigen combo test(CMIA)- Dr.Lal Path labs

27 Days-HIV 1& 2 Antibody + P24 antigen combo test(CMIA)- Dr.Lal Path labs

34 Days-HIV 1& 2 Antibody + P24 antigen combo test(CMIA)- Dr.Lal Path labs

43 Days-HIV 1& 2 Antibody + P24 antigen combo test(CMIA)- Dr.Lal Path labs

53 Days-HIV 1& 2 Antibody + P24 antigen combo test(CMIA)- Dr.Lal Path labs

83 Days-HIV 1& 2 Antibody + P24 antigen combo test(CMIA)- Dr.Lal Path labs

After 3 Months-HIV 1& 2 Antibody + P24 antigen combo test(CMIA)- Dr.Lal Path labs

After 4 MOnths-HIV 1& 2 Antibody + P24 antigen combo test(CMIA)- Dr.Lal Path

two time in this period i have fallen sick with fever and sore throat and tiredness.
first time after 45 days
and recently had cold sore throat tiredness.

My query are..

1.I Inquired at lab also they said that All hiv test are conclusive after 6 Months , is this true.

2. Why i still getting symptoms?

3.Is this the case of false Negative diagnose as i had all my test from one lab only.

4. How reliable is DR. Lal Path labs.

5. How reliable these test which i took.

6.Is there anything that path labs steps away to declare any positive case.

Please help .

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You are free from HIV 1 and 2 infection. Need no further testing.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to HCM.
Thanks for posting your query.

All the CSWs are not expected to have HIV positive. They are also aware of the risk in their profession and majority (70%) take periodic check ups and adequate prevention measures.

I think that you had HIV tests repeated 8 times, but not mentioned the outcome of these tests. I assume all were nonreactive.
Your CMIA test is a 4th generation (advanced) test for HIV. It comprises of two parts. Antigen detection for HIV 1 infection (p24) and antibody detection for both 1 and 2.
Antigen detection be comes more conclusive by 3-4 weeks after the exposure whereas the antibodies detection would become conclusive by (6-8 weeks) 90 days at the maximum.
You had a nonreactive test nearly thrice after 12 weeks, that too with 4th generation test.
1. Only in case of individuals on immunosuppressive drugs like steroids, or those who took ART drugs for prevention, there could be a possibility of reliability of these test got delayed up to 6 months and not with others.So your test are final and confirmatory.
2.Sore throat and fever can occur to anybody, right from childhood in the absence of HIV and also prior to AIDS era and also ever. Your symptoms are not related to HIV.
3. There is no question of false negativity in your case.
4. Dr Lal Path's lab is one of the highly reputed lab and reliable one.
5. 4th generation tests are reliable more than 99%.
6. No laboratory can hide or modify any test report. They will not dare to that. That will be sued in court of law. It is their job to interpret the report as such.
I hope you got the clarifications you wanted.
Dr S.Murugan

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (14 hours later)

Dear Sir
Thanks for writing this.

All test were Non Reactive

Since the exposure I have developed rash and pimples on my back and stomach and sometimes on chest.
there is always a new pimples with puss filled inside which is making more anxious.

1./I want to come out completely with this phase of my life.

2. One thing I dint Add previously that I had J. XXXXXXX Test also after three month from SRL lab , how reliable is this test.

3. Sir. I have a family back to me and a six month old baby with me.
I have not even come close to my wife since then and she asked question on this all the time.

4. Sir do you feel I should go to any other lab also to ruled to check out.

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
You are free from HIV. No need for further tests.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
All the HIV tests available nowadays in the market are highly reliable up to more than 97% including J XXXXXXX 4th generation CMIA UP TO 99% and above. SRL lab is also one among the best in XXXXXXX
You are free from HIV. All your symptoms including the pimples and rashes are not related to HIV. You can have normal sexual life without any fear or hesitation. Do not spoil your precious days.
You need no more tests for HIV.
Dr S.Murugan

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

Follow up: Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (47 hours later)

Dear Sir
Thanks

I went to the doctor for Rash and allergy and pimples .

doctor told me that it is scabies.

And I frequently experience very mild sore throat.

Sir what is you opinion on this.

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Your symptoms are unlikely to be due to HIV as per your test reports.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
Your physician examined you. The clinician's finding would be correct if he is an experienced doctor. So follow his advice. You will be alright soon.
Dr S Murugan

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

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