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Tested Negative For HIV Few Months After Exposure. Should I Get It Checked Again?

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Posted on Wed, 10 Apr 2013
Question: I've tested hiv negative 5 different times after 90 days from a risk event. How conclusive it that or is it necessary to keep check after 180 days?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ishfaq Habib (55 minutes later)
Hi
Welcome to XXXXXXX

The window period for HIV is 3-6 months which means that the virus can appear in serology between 3-6 months. Thus the protocol for testing is at 6 months, then at 3 months and then at 6 months.

You have tested negative for 90 days which is most probable that you might not be having HIV but it is still not exempted as the window period is for 6 months therefore you are still at risk

It is recommended to test again at 180 days.

If you still have some query, feel free to ask

Thanks
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Muhammad Ishfaq Habib (16 hours later)
That was the most clinical / safe answer I have heard. Is there a more researched, better answer to my question?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ishfaq Habib (3 hours later)
Well there is no answer other than you are still at risk although which is now much lower but it is still there and you have to test again at 6 month post exposure which if states negative report will completely rule you out of risk. there are some other techniques for screening but ELISA is about 99% accurate and specific and you only have to wait 90 more days.

If you still have some query, feel free to ask

Thanks
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Muhammad Ishfaq Habib (4 hours later)
I might not have been very specific. I understand that I must test again in 3 months, but I think I'm just looking for a little percentage or comforting or something. I'm sorry to bother you with this question, but being a health person with no immune deficients or other problems I'm just wondering how I'm doing after 107 days of testing negative. Again, sorry for the mundane question that I probably know the answer to. Just looking for some help to get me through the next 70ish days. Thanks for any help.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ishfaq Habib (3 hours later)
Don't be sorry. we are here to answer your each and every query you had in your mind.

To be honest, In my opinion you have tested negative till now and have no immune deficiencies and having good health, so, it probably means you are free of the disease and hopefully you will be. I would like to report to you negative but as health care provider we have to follow protocols to keep you on the safe side of the health.

However for your comfort, As you have tested negative till now, There are more than 90% chances that you are not having the disease.

If you still have some query, feel free to ask. it will be my pleasure to keep answering you

Thanks
Regards
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Muhammad Ishfaq Habib

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 661 Questions

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Tested Negative For HIV Few Months After Exposure. Should I Get It Checked Again?

Hi
Welcome to XXXXXXX

The window period for HIV is 3-6 months which means that the virus can appear in serology between 3-6 months. Thus the protocol for testing is at 6 months, then at 3 months and then at 6 months.

You have tested negative for 90 days which is most probable that you might not be having HIV but it is still not exempted as the window period is for 6 months therefore you are still at risk

It is recommended to test again at 180 days.

If you still have some query, feel free to ask

Thanks
Regards