HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Sexual Assault, Severe Flu. STD Tests Negative. Are These Tests Accurate?

Hi dr. I was assaulted sexually over a year ago. I was tested for all stds at 3 weeks and then at 4 months. Then at 9 months I got very I'll severe flu so thought it was HIV. Got tested again with third generation test it was negative again one month later also negative. Problem is I am still sick 14 months later. Are these tests accurate?
Fri, 24 May 2013
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

The window period for a test is the time it takes for your body to demonstrate the presence of the particular infection.
There are different tests available to screen for HIV. The most commonly used test checks for the presence of antibodies which are formed when the body reacts to the virus. It can potentially take up to 6 months for a reaction to occur which is why the window period for this test is 6 mths.

There are tests that also check for the virus itself. The PCR test is the test that can check for the virus, this window period is 2 weeks.

At 9 months testing, you would have surpassed both window periods and the result would have been accurate.

This negative result at 9 mths indicates that you are NEGATIVE for HIV

I hope this helps
I find this answer helpful

 1 user finds this helpful

1 Doctor agrees with this answer

Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Antibodies


Loading Online Doctors....
Sexual Assault, Severe Flu. STD Tests Negative. Are These Tests Accurate?

HI, thanks for using healthcare magic The window period for a test is the time it takes for your body to demonstrate the presence of the particular infection. There are different tests available to screen for HIV. The most commonly used test checks for the presence of antibodies which are formed when the body reacts to the virus. It can potentially take up to 6 months for a reaction to occur which is why the window period for this test is 6 mths. There are tests that also check for the virus itself. The PCR test is the test that can check for the virus, this window period is 2 weeks. At 9 months testing, you would have surpassed both window periods and the result would have been accurate. This negative result at 9 mths indicates that you are NEGATIVE for HIV I hope this helps