Yet another test?????

[Joshua44]

First I just wanted to say this is a great site and I really appreciate the advice and work you guys are doing.

I stupidly had unprotected sex with a woman I met in a bar about 14 weeks ago. I was unsure about her background, but we spoke several times afterwards and she said she was a regular blood donor, donated 4 weeks after we met and I guess in a ‘low risk’ category.

At 18 days I went for a full screen at a private clinic - all STD’s and a HIV Duo (Antibody and P24) test (all negative). I was so anxious about my result that I got into a testing cycle, with Duo tests at 25 days and 30 days (both negative). On the Doctors’ recommendation I came back for a final HIV antibody (biolytical insti kit) test at 10 weeks (the Doc’ said I could do it early as it made little clinical difference between 10 and 12 weeks) and this was also negative.

Since then I have tried to put everything to rest but still feel anxious and read on the net that 3 months is the only time to test.  Do you think I should go for a final test for peace of mind or should I accept the tests I have had and the Doctors advice that this is conclusive? Is it heard of of someone testing to the degree I have - and then testing positive later? I’m trying to get perspective on the whole thing, but I keep wondering whether I need more tests.

Your advice is really appreciated.

[Andy Velez]

Hi Joshua,

On this site we stick with the CDC recommendation to test at 13 weeks after protected incident.

The average time to seroconversion is 22 days after an exposure. All but the very smallest number of those who are going to seroconvert will do so within 4-6 weeks after an exposure to the HIV virus. With your track record of negative results up to 10 weeks I would certainly expect you to continue to test negative if you decide to re-test at 13 weeks. So it's up to you to decide if you want to do that for the final all clear.

No less importantly, you need to learn from this experience. You can have all the sex you want to with whomever. Just make sure if you are having vaginal or anal intercourse, you always wear a latex condom. NO EXCEPTIONS! Condoms provide very effective protection, but only if you're wearing them.

Cheers,