About Kristen Brannock, MPH Expertise I can answer any of your questions concerning HIV infection and AIDS. This includes ways it can and cannot be transmitted, how it is treated, how it affects the body and methods to protect yourself. I can also answer questions concerning safer sex and contraception.
Experience I trained with the Red Cross to be an HIV/AIDS counselor and I am a member of CARES- Carolina AIDS Resource Education Service.
Organizations CARES and trained by the Red Cross I also have my Master of Public Health in Health Behavior and Health Education.
Education/Credentials Master of Public Health
Health Behavior and Health Education
UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health
(formerly UNC-CH School of Public Health)
I was tested both antigen
p24 and antibodies (4º GENERATION ELISA) 12 days after the exposure, and the results were negative.
Then, I was tested again both antigen p24 and antibodies, 20 (almost 3 weeks) days after the exposure, and the results were negative.
Finally, I was tested again both antigen p24 and antibodies HIV (4º generation Elisa) 34 days (almost 5 weeks) after the exposure, and the results were NEGATIVE again.
1. My question is... how much accuracy do these tests I have already made have?
2. Do I need further testing?
3. Do you recomend me a test in 8 weeks or 3 months?
4. I have seen in the forum that a 4th generation test after 28 days is almost conclusive, so my last test would be conclusive?
Please, I would be very grateful if you could answer me, this anxiety is very bad.
Thank you very much, best wishes Doctor.
ANSWER: Enough accuracy that you do not need to test again and can conclude that you are negative- something the testing counselors should have gone over with you.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks for your answer.
But I have to ask you... Why?
Because, some people say 4 weeks, other 6 weeks ,3 months, and I don't know what to do or what to believe!
I would be very grateful if you could just let me know why.
Thank you very much.
Answer The best answer I can give you is that the science changes and so does the interpretation. 10 years ago the window period was 3-6 months but scientists realized that that was too long a period and it was more like 1-3 months. I always recommend people to get tested around 3 months post exposure just to be SURE. In all likelihood, their earlier tests were right, but to ease their mind, I suggest a follow up.
