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Dear Dr , I Had A Combo Hiv Test At

Posted on Mon, 4 Nov 2019

Question: Dear dr ,

I had a combo hiv test At 21 days and 29 days post exposure . What is the reliability ?
Both tests were Non reactive .
Please do let me know . Thanks

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You are free from HIV 1 INFECTION

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to ASK A DOCTOR
Thanks for posting your query.
4th generation HIV combo test consists of two parts.
1. P24 Antigen detection
2. HIV 1 and 2 antibody detection
Your nonreactive HIV 4th generation test 3 and 4 weeks after the exposure is highly reliable and it ruled out HIV 1 infection which is more prevalent throughout the world except certain XXXXXXX countries to the extent of 99%.
Antibody part of the test will become more conclusive after the window period.
Dr S XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (2 hours later)

Dear dr ,

Thanks for your quick response . Just wanted to clarify a few more things .

1: do I need to retest ?
2. Since last 2 weeks I have been feelings dizzy and also I have a pain When I stretch and a feeling of fullness near my underarms . I am worried if there are some lymph nodes .
If these lymph nodes were due to hiv would the test show positive ?
3. Have u seen any cases where test was positive after 4 weeks ?
4. I am a male and my exposure was with another male. It involved kissing and fingering . His penis rubbed against my upper anal area wen I had a rash . There was no penetration of any kind .

Request your help . I am very worried .

I also have the fear that the lab might have by swapped my blood samples with someone else’s by mistake . Please help

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
HIV 2 risk is a remote possibility

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
As you didn't have penetrative sex, your risk for HIV infection is negligible only.
In the presence of an HIV infection, earliest manifestations can occur only after 4 to 6 weeks after the exposure not earlier.
HIV 1 infection ruled out.
HIV 2 infection can be detected after 4 weeks is a remote possibility.
Nothing wrong to have another test 12 weeks after the exposure to be sure that you are free from HIV 1&2 infections. Otherwise you will have a disturbed mind for ever.
Dr S Murugan

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (39 minutes later)

Thanks doctor for your response .

I started having pain in the region near my armpits and at the back of my legs about 15 days after the exposure .
Also if my syntoms were due to hiv would the test detect it ?
Have you ever seen a 4 week non reactive test turn positive ever ?
Also how common if hiv 2 in XXXXXXX
Do I need to worry ? I have never had penetrative sex ever . Kindly advise

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Your HIV risk is negligible

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
As you did not have any penetrative sex your HIV risk is low. HIV 2 risk is remote.
HIV 2 incidence in XXXXXXX is less than 0.5%.
Your symptoms are not related to HIV infection.
Dr S Murugan

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad