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What Is The Window Period For An STD Test?
Question: I had unprotected sex with a prostitute 2 weeks ago. One week ago I took a full STD and HIV RNA test. All negative. That said, my symptoms of burning/tingle feeling in top of penis, off and on groin and testicke pain have seemed to gotten worse. Was one week of soon? What is the probability of a false negative? Thank you
Brief Answer:
I suggest serial screening fo STDs at 4 weeks and 12 weeks
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I am Dr.Kakkar (MD, skin snd STDs). I have gone through your query and I have understood your concern.
Screening for STDs just 1 week after a risky sexual encounter is a too soon and is not considered to be reliable. This is because most STDs have a window period of detection by lab tests, during which the tests have a high probability of being falsely negative. For example, though HIV PCR RNA can detect HIV infection as early as 9-13 days after infection, it is considered reliable only after 2 weeks. This window period is longer for a combo test (P 24 antigen and anti-HIV antibody based test) i.e 2-4 weeks and even longer for a purely anti-Hiv antibody based test i.e 12 weeks. For other STDs too e.g Syphilis, Herpes testing just 1 week after sexual contact is unlikely to reveal anything on tests. I suggest you to screen for STDs, first at 4 weeks and then again at 12 weeks for these to be considered as reliable.
Regards
I suggest serial screening fo STDs at 4 weeks and 12 weeks
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I am Dr.Kakkar (MD, skin snd STDs). I have gone through your query and I have understood your concern.
Screening for STDs just 1 week after a risky sexual encounter is a too soon and is not considered to be reliable. This is because most STDs have a window period of detection by lab tests, during which the tests have a high probability of being falsely negative. For example, though HIV PCR RNA can detect HIV infection as early as 9-13 days after infection, it is considered reliable only after 2 weeks. This window period is longer for a combo test (P 24 antigen and anti-HIV antibody based test) i.e 2-4 weeks and even longer for a purely anti-Hiv antibody based test i.e 12 weeks. For other STDs too e.g Syphilis, Herpes testing just 1 week after sexual contact is unlikely to reveal anything on tests. I suggest you to screen for STDs, first at 4 weeks and then again at 12 weeks for these to be considered as reliable.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
So you think it is highly unlikely that these tests were reliable at all? Sorry -- just worried sick.
If if I was having symptoms I would still be negative?
If if I was having symptoms I would still be negative?
Brief Answer:
I would suggest repeat screening
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
In the absence of specific symptoms of STDs like urethral discharge, genital erosions, genital ulcers etc which you don't seem to have till now, screening by lab tests is the only way to go. In the meantime if you develop any symptoms or signs suggestive of STDs like urethral discharge, burning sensation and pain on passing urine, genital erosions, ulcers, growths/ warts etc you must present yourself for examination to a venereologist.
Regards
I would suggest repeat screening
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
In the absence of specific symptoms of STDs like urethral discharge, genital erosions, genital ulcers etc which you don't seem to have till now, screening by lab tests is the only way to go. In the meantime if you develop any symptoms or signs suggestive of STDs like urethral discharge, burning sensation and pain on passing urine, genital erosions, ulcers, growths/ warts etc you must present yourself for examination to a venereologist.
Regards
Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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