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Expert: Terry B - 9/7/2007


Question
Hi. About 3 months after i had protected insertive anal sex with an hiv positive
person i received a rapid HIv antibody test and my results were negative.
However, I recently have been reading online that 6 months is a better time to
get tested. This had also made me slightly paranoid rethinking the possibility
that the condom was disturbed or broke, even though i don't remember that
happening and my partner said that is stayed intact.

Answer
Dear Steve:

Peace.  

The standard ELISA/Western Blot antibody test will detect HIV antibodies in most people as soon as six weeks after an exposure.  The six month marker is better because it captures virtually every positive person including those few who produce antibodies later.

I would first reassure you that your initial results were probably accurate, and secondly encourage you, for your own peace of mind, to meet with your health professional or an HIV counseling and testing center for a followup test.

I hope this helps.

Terry

AIDS

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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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