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Is A Negative BioSURE HIV Self Test Result Conclusive 14 Months Post Exposure?

Posted on Sat, 31 Oct 2015

Question: Hello there,

After 2 negative Biosure Home Self HIV Antibody tests at 13 and 14 months can I be sure I don't have HIV. At 14 months post exposure I have tonsillitis. Do I need to be worried that this is a symptom?

Do I need further tests?

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Your tonsillitis is unlikely due to HIV infection

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing in to us.

I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.

1. If you have got standard HIV antibody test done at 13 and 14 months post exposure then chance of having HIV infection is nil.

2. Please do not worry about tonsillitis due to HIV infection.

3. You do not need further test but getting tested at the lab once is suggested for peace of mind.

Please do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,

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

Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (5 minutes later)

Hello,

Do you think I should do more tests?

I am very worried about this. I have never had it before. What are the chances of not developing antibodies after this amount of time?

Thanks again

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Doing one lab test is suggested for confirmation and peace of mind

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing back with an update.

In HIV infection 99.99 percent of patients show antibodies after 6 months. Only one patient in medical literature has been found to get the antibodies after 12 months from exposure. It is very rare that this will happen with you and therefore there is every possibility that you will not get antibodies and are safe.

I suggest a lab test only for peace of mind and because the tests you did are home tests. Lab tests at 14 months are always confirmatory.

Regards,

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

Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (2 hours later)

Hello,

Thanks again for your reply.

Does that mean I can't trust the tests I have done?

If I didn't test again, would it matter? As you say it would only be for peace of mind.

Thanks again.

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You can trust the tests if instructions were followed correctly

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing back with an update.

There is no doubt about the test which you have done at home and you can trust the result if you have followed the right instructions while doing the tests.. My concern is whether you have done the test as recommended and in the correct way as described. If you still have a doubt then doing a lab test will help clear your mind.

Regards,

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