Expert: Terry B - 10/10/2006

Question
I am very confused about when I can test for HIV after a possible exposure? So
many experts claim that a test before 12 weeks is not a reliable test but some
others are saying that this is not a realistic period and virtually it is much
less. For example I read the following from "The Sexually Transmitted
Diseases (STD) Forum"

"""the general consensus is that the current, commonly used HIV antibody tests
are positive at 4 weeks in around 85-90% of infected people, probably hit
somewhere around 95-98% by 6 weeks, and virtually 100% by 8 weeks. (But you can
easily find experts who will dispute these numbers, for some reasons) Sorry, but
nothing with greater precision is available"""

I've tested negative after 6 weeks and tomorrow I will complete 8 weeks after
the exposure and I am planning to test then. What if this one also turns to be
negative?

1) Can I relay on that result? what do think about the quoted opinion from the
STD forum above?

FYI, I had some of the possible symptoms such as “light headache”, “few red
pimples (mainly at the bach and arms)”, “light throat sore”, “muscle pain” and recently (after 7 weeks) “chest pain (right
side mainly)”. I've always convinced myself that these are due to the fact that
I am too worried and too nervous but any way
2)are these possible symptoms?

thanks.


Answer
Dear Yazan:

Peace and all good things to you.

At this point (6 weeks post exposure) if your health is generally good, your body should have produced sufficient antibodies to HIV if you were infected to trigger a positive result on the ELISA (antibody screening) test.  

Note "should" and your perceptive observation that the opinions you quoted are confusing.  As for your "symptoms" understand that they may (and are, probably) due to other infections you may/may not have contracted, even outside of your suspected exposure to HIV.   In other words, being HIV negative is not an assurance of health.

I would recommend highly that you find a health professional and be evaluated in person (rather than guessing based on internet information). They say that the doctor who treats himself has a fool for a physician.... that applies especially to the laity.

So... specifically in answer to your questions:

1)  You can probably rely on the initial result; aside from not sharing your fluids with another until you get your 8 week test (or wait until 12 weeks if you prefer), there isn't much change in what you can or cannot do about your serostatus at present.  I agree that the forum opinions are somewhat confusing; essentially, they say that your negative results are most probably valid now but there is a slim chance waiting til 8-12 weeks will improve the accuracy of the result.

2)  These COULD be symptoms of acute infection, but given what you describe and your negative ELISA test, it is more likely they are evidence of another infection and/or stress and worry.  Only your doctor can tell you for sure.


This answer doesn't resolve your questions fully but I hope it will help you seek out a provider to do an appropriate examination.  Please do so promptly.

The best to you and yours.

Terry