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Question: Hi, I am a 50 year old man who was sexually assualted 2 weeks ago today by a white man that pinned me down and forced anal sexually intercourse. I was the one who inserted, and i am scared of hiv. I tested negative last week. What is the earliest test available to detect if i was infected. He claims he is negative and showed me the results from the end of february from his doctor.
Brief Answer:
You should repeat it after 3 months.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
I am Dr.Rovena and I read carefully your query.
First of all I want to say that I am really sorry for what happened to you and I hope the responsible took what he deserve.
There are two main types of HIV tests: antibody tests, RNA tests(PCR test)
1) Antibody tests ("Rapid" tests) — give a positive result based on antibodies to HIV, not the virus itself.
With this test HIV testing is usually a two-step process. The first step is to test for antibodies in blood or saliva. If the test is positive, a second test called a Western blot is done to ensure that the first result was correct.
If both tests (antibody and Western blot) are positive, the chances are >99% that the patient is infected with HIV.
Negative antibody tests in people infected with HIV may occur because antibody concentrations are low or because antibodies have not yet developed. On average, antibodies take about four weeks to reach detectable levels after initial infection, and falsely negative tests may occur during this so-called HIV window period. Individuals with negative tests and who had high risk for HIV exposure should be retested in two to three months.
2) Antigen tests (RNA tests) — show a positive result based on the presence of the virus. These tests are more expensive than anitbody tests, so are not offered in as many places.
With this test 1-3 weeks after infection, there will be enough viral material for a positive result.
So to answer your question If you have done Antibody test and the result was negative for HIV you should repeat it after 3 months to be sure you are not infected.
The earliest test available to detect a possible HIV infection is Antigen tests or PCR test.This test can tell if you are infected 3 weeks after exposure.
I suggest to consult your treating doctor so he can direct you for the best options.
Hope I was able to help you.If you have further question please feel free to write me,I will be happy to help.
Wish you good luck.
Dr.Rovena
You should repeat it after 3 months.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
I am Dr.Rovena and I read carefully your query.
First of all I want to say that I am really sorry for what happened to you and I hope the responsible took what he deserve.
There are two main types of HIV tests: antibody tests, RNA tests(PCR test)
1) Antibody tests ("Rapid" tests) — give a positive result based on antibodies to HIV, not the virus itself.
With this test HIV testing is usually a two-step process. The first step is to test for antibodies in blood or saliva. If the test is positive, a second test called a Western blot is done to ensure that the first result was correct.
If both tests (antibody and Western blot) are positive, the chances are >99% that the patient is infected with HIV.
Negative antibody tests in people infected with HIV may occur because antibody concentrations are low or because antibodies have not yet developed. On average, antibodies take about four weeks to reach detectable levels after initial infection, and falsely negative tests may occur during this so-called HIV window period. Individuals with negative tests and who had high risk for HIV exposure should be retested in two to three months.
2) Antigen tests (RNA tests) — show a positive result based on the presence of the virus. These tests are more expensive than anitbody tests, so are not offered in as many places.
With this test 1-3 weeks after infection, there will be enough viral material for a positive result.
So to answer your question If you have done Antibody test and the result was negative for HIV you should repeat it after 3 months to be sure you are not infected.
The earliest test available to detect a possible HIV infection is Antigen tests or PCR test.This test can tell if you are infected 3 weeks after exposure.
I suggest to consult your treating doctor so he can direct you for the best options.
Hope I was able to help you.If you have further question please feel free to write me,I will be happy to help.
Wish you good luck.
Dr.Rovena
Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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