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Question
Hi, I have a question about the accuracy of tests I have had done. After my last sexual encounter I had hiv tests done at 2, 9 and 12 weeks which were all negative. I'm wondering how confident I can be at this point that I'm really negative? I have a lot of anxiety over this (hence all the testing), and my doctor said people need to be tested again at 6 months to be sure. But ultimately, can I feel confident? If I have been otherwise healthy in my life (no immune system problems), would I likely have shown up as positive by now? How confident can I be?
Thank you so much!
Dear Anne:
Peace. The nine and twelve week tests indicate that you probably aren't infected. Most tests (you didn't specify) are more likely to give you a false positive (suggesting you might be infected when you are not) than a false negative. There are a very, very small number of cases where antibody development is delayed or lab error occurs - if you are otherwise healthy I would be pretty confident with the results you have, but as your doctor says, six month test should give you as close to surety as possible.
Hope that helps.
Terry
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Terry B
Expertise
Help in assessing personal and professional risk of HIV transmission; tips in teaching about HIV/AIDS; cultural competency for teaching about HIV/AIDS in Catholic settings; considerations in US and overseas HIV/AIDS programs and education for health and other professionals. Specific questions about treatment should be referred to your health provider; opinions and information offered are not meant to replace medical advice
Experience
Seven years with academic medical center and national AIDS education and training center, seven subsequent years with focus on international HIV/AIDS in East and South Africa. Former clinician, bioethics preceptor at an academic medical center and presenter in wide range of fora including international AIDS conference.
Organizations
Disabled American Veterans
American Public Health Association
MENSA
AA
Publications
Human Variety, EC Sociological Society
Proceedings of the International AIDS Conference, Durban, South Africa
"HIV and Primary Care"
Education/Credentials
BS Psychology
MPH Master of Public Health
PhD studies underway
Awards and Honors
Naval School of Health Sciences, Hospital Corps with Highest Honors, Neuropsychiatry with Honors and High Distinction
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