Brief Answer:
Test done on 21 days after the exposure can not be considered as conclusive

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to 'Ask A Doctor' service.
Thanks for posting your query.

HIV tests are of two types broadly.

1. Antibody detecting tests (used commonly-Rapid test, ELISA, etc.) which can become reactive only after 4-6 weeks and even delayed up to 12 weeks after the exposure.

2. Antigen detecting tests (done bu only sophisticated labs- DNA PCR, RNA PCR, P24 Antigen tests, etc.) which will become reactive within a weeks time after the infection but more reliable after 3-4 weeks.

Regarding symptom in HIV Infection 50-70% will have flu-like symptoms 4-6 weeks after the exposure which usually go unnoticed and regular symptoms may appear 5-7 years or more after the infection.

Any symptoms of HIV can be confirmed only with serological tests. Because most of the early symptoms can occur to anybody in the absence of HIV also.

Regards
Dr S.Murugan

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Brief Answer:
Symptoms of HIV can exist only with HIV positive result.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back
It was there in my answer and also in the answer to your other query regarding the symptoms.
In very early stage, (Acute infection, Seroconversion illness or Primary infection), Flu like symptoms or rashes can appear before the antibody tests become positive. common antibody tests would show a negative report. (That is called as window period). During this time also, if you go for Antigen tests (PCR, P24 Antigen test) you will get a positive result.
In the absence of a nonreactive HIV tests (antigen or antibody detection tests) any symptoms are not specific to HIV and nobody can say it is due to HI, but can say probably due to HIV infection.
Dr S.Murugan

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