Expert: Terry B - 3/21/2007

Question
Jambo Dr.Terry;
i wrote to u 7 weeks a go, after my incident of possible exposure to HIV, i did a PCR test then, like 4 days after the possible exposure! results were good, 7 weeks later which is yesterday i did the antibodies test and it was also negative.
does this confirm that i am HIV negative since two diffirent tests resulted in HIV -ve?

thank you very much
hope to hear from you soon
regards


Answer
Dear Mr. Joe:

Jambo! Asante for your reply and follow-up inquiry. I need remind you that I still have a way to go before you can appropriately call me "Doctor" - but thank you for the respect.  Now, on to your question.

Yes, the two different tests would seem to indicate that you are not infected, but those who would argue for the greatest caution would say you should be antibody tested again six months from your possible exposure.  

My opinion would be that you are not infected, as indicated by these tests, yet because expert researchers note that a small percentage of antibody tests don't catch actual HIV infection in a small percentage of persons until six months from exposure, I cannot say at seven weeks that you are definitely not infected.  

I actually have a question for you; given the strong probability that you are HIV negative (not infected), what is the urgent rush for absolute confirmation?  It is good hygiene in this time of AIDS to protect others from your potentially infectious fluids, and to protect yourself from the blood, semen, vaginal secretions (and breast milk) of others.  If you want absolute confirmation, err on the side of caution before engaging in fluid exchange with another person until you've tested negative at six months.

I again thank you for your questions and interest, and wish you and your loved ones the very best.

Sincerely,

Terry