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Is PEP Treatment Required When HIV Test Is Negative?
Question: Hello, I need help with STD and HIV information.
Done HIV rapid test 2-3 times in last 2 months and currently on PEP (TENTIDE EM), the tests were negative, The reason is i did is i had unprotected sex with CSW 7 to 8 times on different times during 3 months (during which twice the condom got teared up). I am very much confused and need some expert advice about continuing the PEP treatment.
On first occasion i had unprotected (condom teared) sex 3 months back, then i had this for few times with protection. During this i had tested for HIV 1 and 2 RAPID test. And 2 weeks back i again had some unprotected sex (straight vaginal sex with condom teared) .
I then visited a specialist doctor next day who gave me PEP(reports attached). Its been 2 weeks since i am on the medicine. Also i had recently done the HIV rapid 1 and 2 test for my Wife also.
I am never going to do this risky activity again but now i need some advice about the treatment and tests needed. Is the Rapid test sufficient or should i also do the NAAT test or RNA test.
Done HIV rapid test 2-3 times in last 2 months and currently on PEP (TENTIDE EM), the tests were negative, The reason is i did is i had unprotected sex with CSW 7 to 8 times on different times during 3 months (during which twice the condom got teared up). I am very much confused and need some expert advice about continuing the PEP treatment.
On first occasion i had unprotected (condom teared) sex 3 months back, then i had this for few times with protection. During this i had tested for HIV 1 and 2 RAPID test. And 2 weeks back i again had some unprotected sex (straight vaginal sex with condom teared) .
I then visited a specialist doctor next day who gave me PEP(reports attached). Its been 2 weeks since i am on the medicine. Also i had recently done the HIV rapid 1 and 2 test for my Wife also.
I am never going to do this risky activity again but now i need some advice about the treatment and tests needed. Is the Rapid test sufficient or should i also do the NAAT test or RNA test.
Brief Answer:
Get tests done and take PEP for 28 days.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query at HCM.
I understand your concern and situation.
I would suggest you that you are taking tenofovir and emtricitabine combination fir prophylaxis. For PEP to be effective it must begin within 72 hours of exposure. PEP should be taken for 28 days. I suggest that you must take PEP for 2 more weeks as you had frequent exposure which were unprotected. Now coming to your second question. Rapid tests are just screening one cannot rely on them completely. I would suggest that you must get HIV PCR test after 6-7 weeks. If negative then 4 th generation ELISA test after12 weeks and repeat ELISA test after 6 months. Once
all these tests are negative then you have no threat of HIV infection.
Hope I answered your query.
If no clarification then you can close the discussion and rate the answer. A review will be appreciated.
Dr Sheetal Verma
Get tests done and take PEP for 28 days.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query at HCM.
I understand your concern and situation.
I would suggest you that you are taking tenofovir and emtricitabine combination fir prophylaxis. For PEP to be effective it must begin within 72 hours of exposure. PEP should be taken for 28 days. I suggest that you must take PEP for 2 more weeks as you had frequent exposure which were unprotected. Now coming to your second question. Rapid tests are just screening one cannot rely on them completely. I would suggest that you must get HIV PCR test after 6-7 weeks. If negative then 4 th generation ELISA test after12 weeks and repeat ELISA test after 6 months. Once
all these tests are negative then you have no threat of HIV infection.
Hope I answered your query.
If no clarification then you can close the discussion and rate the answer. A review will be appreciated.
Dr Sheetal Verma
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
What are the suggested tests for my wife now. she did rapid test last week, which was negative. where can I get these tests done in XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
ICTC center or Private laboratory.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
I suggest that you can visit an Integrated Counselling and testing Center (ICTC) for the tests like PCR and ELISA test. There is an ICTC center in every Government medical college. You can also get the tests done from reputable private laboratory. I leave the choice to you. Both places the reports will be accurate. You do not need a doctor prescription for the same.
Take care
ICTC center or Private laboratory.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
I suggest that you can visit an Integrated Counselling and testing Center (ICTC) for the tests like PCR and ELISA test. There is an ICTC center in every Government medical college. You can also get the tests done from reputable private laboratory. I leave the choice to you. Both places the reports will be accurate. You do not need a doctor prescription for the same.
Take care
Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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