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Is HIV Antibody Test Done 5 Months Post Exposure Conclusive?

Posted on Tue, 11 Apr 2017

Question: Dear Doctor,
I had an exposure with a sex worker on 2nd september 2016. I got tested with 3rd gen hiv antibody test in february 2017 which was non reactive. (Appx. 5month) after few days i got red skin rash on my body and next day i tested for hiv screening and got non reactive for hiv1&2.
Do i need to test further or is it conclusive.

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Your symptoms are not related to HIV.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to HCM.
Thanks for posting your query.
Your HIV test reports are final.
You need no more tests for HIV. All the sex workers are need not be HIV positive and all exposures need not be infectious.
Skin rashes can be due to various reasons, other than HIV.
Dr S Murugan

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

Follow up: Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (1 hour later)

Dear Sir,
I am having skin rash and fatigue and my wife is suffering with sore throat.
Can these test be false negative or in window period.

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
False negative tests 90 days after exposure is unlikely

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
All the HIV tests available in the market are highly reliable to the extent of more than 97%. Third generation test is reliable up to 98%.
Window period of the antibody detecting tests is not later than 90 days after the risky exposure.
False negative test after 90 days is highly unlikely, that too with two different types of tests.
Your Skin rashes and sore throat of your wife are not related to HIV. They are so common symptoms and can occur to anybody.
Nothing to worry.
Dr S Murugan

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

Follow up: Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (16 hours later)

Dear Sir,
I got my hiv screening test on the very next day ,the rashes appeared on my body.
Might it be the case that antibody were so less that it could not be detected by screening test at 5.5 month

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Presence of Antibody in body doesn't relate to the appearance of symptoms.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
Window period of HIV tests is around 6-8 weeks and may be extended up to 12 weeks in some individuals. Unless the individual is on immunosuppressive drugs like steroids, cyclosporin or cytotoxic drugs, it would not go beyond this 12 week period. So your negative test reports after 5 months after the risk activity is highly reliable, immaterial of the appearance of any symptoms.
Dr S.Murugan

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

Follow up: Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (18 hours later)

Dear Doctor,
I have read that 6 month is the extended time period when antiobody may develop by an antibody test only.
My last test (hiv screening test) was done on 173 days which is 8 days less than 6 month mark.
Seeing the symptoms of rashes and fatigue which started on the day the test taken would u advice me to go for further testing.
I have attached my reports for your reference.
Pl. Check the test quality is good enough to relay upon
Thanks

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Your symptoms are not related to HIV.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
Only in individuals on immunosuppressive drugs like steroids, Cyclosporin, or cytotoxic drugs or to an individual who was on PEP not completed properly the window period can extend up to 6 months and not for normal person. So you need not worry about the same. Your results are final and you are free from HIV infection.
Your rashes and fatigue are not related to HIV. Consult your physician and get well soon,.
Dr S.Murugan

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad