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How Conclusive Is An HIV Test Done In A Month After Exposure?

Posted on Wed, 9 Apr 2014

Question: Hi Doctor, My name isXXXXand m from delhi. My exposure was on January 16 2014 with a friend of mine which is married usually we do protected sex but on that day it happened by without condom. I became so depressed after that day. I decided to take a test of HIV to relax my mind and finally took it on 18 Feb from Dr. Lal Path lab and result came negative, it was combo ab/ag then I again took a test from another lab from nearby Hospital it was kind of rapid from pareekshak HIV 1/2 antibody test and it came negative last test was 63 days post exposure. I am too depressaid thinking of my family and aids. And the exposure was not so long but only for few seconds and after that she bleeded little may be few drops cause might be I was harsh. My question is that are my test conclusive ? Or need some other test. The index value of my test was 0.21 como one.

Answered by Dr. Praveen Rodrigues (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Relax & do a PCR test for mRNA HIV for closure Detailed Answer: Hi there XXXXXXX I empathise with you mate. In your case, given your history, the fact that it was a known married acquaintance & the other person is healthy & so are you, clinically there appears no cause for worry. In addition, as you have done the 2 tests after a period of 4-6 weeks post exposure, you can rest easy as it is negative & no further test is required. However, seeing as you are anxious, please do a PCR test for HIV that will be more accurate & pick up any infection in a more sensitive manner. Any major laboratory in your area eg Ranbaxy labs/Apollo labs etc will be able to help you. This will surely be negative, but may XXXXXXX you closure. We all make mistakes & such are the vagaries of life, but we need to pick up the pieces, learn from our experiences & put it past us..life's journey teaches us many things & if we take the positives' from that & stop hammering ourselves, we will be better people in the end. Good Luck & hope I have helped put your mind at ease. If you were from Bangalore, I would have asked you to meet me in person for a one-on-one chat & counselling. You may use this HCM site to source out a counsellor/psychologist of your choice should you wish to chat in person with someone. Rest Easy my friend -you seem to be in the clear-go & celebrate 'life' with your family. Godspeed! Dr Praveen Rodrigues MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Praveen Rodrigues (34 minutes later)

Sir, Thanx for ur reply. Is these two tests not sufficient and pcr is mandatory. Kindly tell me your point of view on these two tests. If you are satisfied then I will also try to put an end on this chapter. I need a person who can properly guide me and made me understand. I red on many forums that Antibody/Antigen test are conclusive after 28 days and you can do an antibody test after that.

Answered by Dr. Praveen Rodrigues (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Nothing required; Dont look back! Detailed Answer: Hi there XXXXXXX I state clearly : These two tests are more than sufficient especially given that it is a known acquaintance. However, sometimes for our human psychology to quell all self doubts, always better to do the PCR test. Having said that, if you are a mentally tough chap & are willing to put it behind you & move on, that is the best option...nothing else required. Do practice safe sex in future so as to avoid any anxiety. Good Luck & trust we have 'closure' :) Do stay in touch. As I said if I was in Delhi, I would have been happy to share my contact details with you to further allay your fears. I am happy all is well. Cheers. Dr Praveen Rodrigues MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Praveen Rodrigues (8 minutes later)

Thanx doctor I will try to put my anxiety in a dustbin. Hope every thing is fine doctor. Can I have your number doctor please.

Answered by Dr. Praveen Rodrigues (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer: write to YYYY@YYYY Detailed Answer: Hi there XXXXXXX Glad I have managed to calm your fears & all is well up North. I am sorry; it would be against the company's policies to share my number with you. You could write to YYYY@YYYY anytime for any of your queries. You can ask me a query directly at this link any time as well. http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-praveen-rodrigues/63879 I would be glad to interact with you any time. Cheers! Dr Praveen Rodrigues MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Praveen Rodrigues (25 minutes later)

Thanx aton doc I will try to calm down and move further. Actually I am kinda nervous person and easily get nervous, once again for the last time please tell me the tests I have done are conclusive. Thanks a lot Regards XXXX

Answered by Dr. Praveen Rodrigues (28 minutes later)

Brief Answer: I understand your nervousness tests sufficient Detailed Answer: Heya XXXXXXX Once again...no worries; tests you have done are sufficient & conclusive. I understand your anxiety completely but rest assured all is well. Sorry I cant seem to be able to provide you with my number due to HCM policies but google is always a good friend. Good Luck & Au revoir. Dr Praveen Rodrigues MD

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E