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Author Topic: Condom Broke - HIV Test  (Read 17147 times)

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Offline mplsnicguy

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Condom Broke - HIV Test
« on: March 13, 2007, 10:36:03 am »
Hi Group,

I was having protected anal sex with my HIV + boyfriend when the condom broke.  We stopped immediately and there was no ejaculation. We do not beleive the condom was broke very long.  I never have anal sex without a condom. 

His HIV doctor did some kind of sensitive RNA test on me 11 days after the incident that he said would let me know if I have it; he is also doing an Elisa test which i know isnt accurate.  My boyfriend told me that the test picks up the virus which would start replicating like crazy after transmission.

I read on the lessons around testing that there is a test that is pretty accurate within 24 to 72 hours but that testing should be 3 months.  I am kinda confused.  Any clarification woud be much appreciated as I get my results today or tomorrow and want to know if I can breathe easier.

Offline Ann

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    • Num is sum qui mentiar tibi?
Re: Condom Broke - HIV Test
« Reply #1 on: March 13, 2007, 02:10:09 pm »
mp,

It is the RNA test that can begin to detect the presence of hiv within 48 - 72 hours and this is the test your doctor gave you. This test is only to be used in a situation where there is a definite possiblity of transmission. Any result on this test will have to be confirmed with further antibody testing. Testing this early is mainly useful if a person has actually been infected.

The three month testing is to confirm a negative result. A positive result can and will be confirmed much earlier. The vast majority of people who have actually been infected will seroconvert and test positive by six weeks (on the antibody tests), with the average time to seroconversion being only 22 days.

You don't say whether you were top or bottom in this incident. If you were top, it is highly unlikely that you would have been infected. Even if you were bottom, the odds are in your favour as no ejaculation took place. Either way, there was some level of risk and you are wise to test.

Please read through the condom and lube links in my signature line. A correctly used condom rarely breaks.

Hang in there...

Ann
« Last Edit: March 13, 2007, 02:11:43 pm by Ann »
Condoms are a girl's best friend

Condom and Lube Info  

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

Offline mplsnicguy

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Re: Condom Broke - HIV Test
« Reply #2 on: March 13, 2007, 02:16:41 pm »
I was the bottom.  I have never had a condom break before and I watched my boyfriend put it on.  I do realize I will need to confirm with an antibody test, but if my results are negative, do you agree with the doctor that it is incredibly unlikely that I am infected?  I just spoke with him and he stated that my viral load would be pretty high by day 11.

Offline Ann

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Re: Condom Broke - HIV Test
« Reply #3 on: March 13, 2007, 02:33:13 pm »
mp,

Yes, I do agree with your doctor. However, you would be wise to make sure you get antibody confirmation of a negative result at three months.

You should also be aware that sometimes the PCR testing can yield false positive results. If your result comes back positive, unless the number is high - in the tens of thousands - you  may be dealing with one of those. So please, be cautious about accepting a positive diagnosis on the basis of the PCR-RNA test result alone. Make sure you get confirmation with the standard ELISA and Western Blot.

But saying that, considering a condom was used (you were protected for at least some of the time) and no ejaculation took place, the odds ARE in your favour of coming out of this ok.

And please, make sure you're using those condoms correctly. The two leading causes of condom failure (breaking) is either not enough lube was used, or there was air left in the tip. The links in my signature line will tell you how to avoid that happening.

Hang in there and feel free to keep us posted.

Ann
Condoms are a girl's best friend

Condom and Lube Info  

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

Offline mplsnicguy

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Re: Condom Broke - HIV Test
« Reply #4 on: March 15, 2007, 10:50:30 am »
Hi Ann,

I do appreciate your interest in seeing me through this.  I should be getting my results back any day now and would like your opinion on the RNA test.  I now live in San Francisco and looked at their Health Department website which appears to be quite state of the art.  I decided to give them a call about the RNA test since they offer that at their clinic.  The woman I spoke with said that they have never given an RNA test after 10 days of exposure that was negative that later came back positive on a subsequent antibody test and that they have been giving these tests for 3 years.

Does that seem right to you?  Trust me, I am not trying to cross swords but want to understand how accurate this test is.  Especially in light of my situation.

Thanks
 ;D


Offline Ann

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Re: Condom Broke - HIV Test
« Reply #5 on: March 15, 2007, 10:58:15 am »
mp,

Yes, that sounds about right to me. The viral load on a newly infected person is usually quite high within a week to ten days.

As I mentioned before, the reason we caution against using the PCR technology is because of the risk of false positives. There are cases though, where using this test IS appropriate and yours is one of them. Just make sure that you confirm the result no matter which side of the coin it lands on. If you get a positive result, you would probably be able to confirm it with antibody testing by three weeks. If you get a negative result, a negative antibody test at six weeks would be unlikely to change.

Fingers crossed for a negative result. You do have an excellent chance at this as he didn't cum, so hang in there.

Ann
Condoms are a girl's best friend

Condom and Lube Info  

"...health will finally be seen not as a blessing to be wished for, but as a human right to be fought for." Kofi Annan

Nymphomaniac: a woman as obsessed with sex as an average man. Mignon McLaughlin

HIV is certainly character-building. It's made me see all of the shallow things we cling to, like ego and vanity. Of course, I'd rather have a few more T-cells and a little less character. Randy Shilts

Offline mplsnicguy

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Re: Condom Broke - HIV Test
« Reply #6 on: March 20, 2007, 11:12:28 am »
Ann or Andy,

You have been great!  I got my test results back and they were all negative.  The doctor said he ran an HIV Ultrasensitive RNA viral load test that he said would measure 50 copies of the virus and I showed none.  He also ran an antibody test to ensure they hadnt developed.  The doctor is my boyfriends HIV specialist and he stated that I was negative even though the test was run at 10.5 days; he said if I was infected that I would have some viral load count at that time greater than 50 copies.

I guess my question is in regards around the comment that I should test out to 6 weeks.  I will test based on your recommendation, but my concern is that the doctors opinion is different than yours.  Should I still be concerned?

Unfortunately, this whole experience has caused me to break up with my boyfriend as the stress of it all has really gotten to me.  We have been giving each oral without ejaculation since we have been together and I know thats low risk, but with that and the condom breaking for the first time, it really took an emotional toll on me.

I really appreciate the support.  Its nice to know you guys are here for us.

Offline RapidRod

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Re: Condom Broke - HIV Test
« Reply #7 on: March 20, 2007, 11:16:26 am »
A PCR RNA, has to be confirmed at 13 weeks. The PCR RNA test is not a stand a lone test.

Offline mplsnicguy

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Re: Condom Broke - HIV Test
« Reply #8 on: March 20, 2007, 11:22:59 am »
Rod,

Thanks for the reply.  I will print out the response and give to my doctor.  However, do you think it is highly unlikely it will change? I was feeling pretty good after speaking with my doctor yesterday afternoon about my results but your response got me worried all over again.

I spoke with the San Francisco clinic who has been administering the test for the last 3 years and they did state they have never had anyone test positive on an antibody test after testing negative at 10 days on the RNA test. 

Sorry for the incessant replies, but I am obviously worried.

Offline ACinKC

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Re: Condom Broke - HIV Test
« Reply #9 on: March 20, 2007, 11:51:10 am »
Chances would be in your favor you will continue to test negative over this.  You stopped immediately and no ejaculation took place which are both good for you. 

It has happened to me and the wife on 2 occasions and she continues to test negative.  Get it confirmed though.
LIFE is not a race to the grave with the intention of arriving safely
in a pretty and well-preserved body, but, rather to skid in broadside,
thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming--WOW! WHAT A
RIDE!!!

Offline mplsnicguy

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Re: Condom Broke - HIV Test
« Reply #10 on: March 20, 2007, 11:21:59 pm »
Ok,

A little confused.  The lesson in here I read states " If the virus is present, the quantitative PCR will reveal how much virus is in a person's bloodstream (the viral load). In most cases, a quantitative PCR is highly accurate within 48 to 72 hours. However, a small number of people don't have viral loads that are high enough to confirm a diagnosis until 28 days after exposure."

I understand I need to test at 6 weeks and probably 13 weeks even though my HIV doctor feels I am conclusively negative after testing to 10.5 days.

Do you guys agree with the lesson that it is highly unlikely my status will change?  Regardless, i always use condoms so that shouldnt be an issue.

However, I read some of the articles posted on a previous reply about some forum and it seems that there is some disagreement on oral risk.  Some of the participants felt it was 1 in 2500 and others thought the risk was much lower.  Is giving oral without ejaculation considered pretty low?

Offline thunter34

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  • His name is Carl.
Re: Condom Broke - HIV Test
« Reply #11 on: March 20, 2007, 11:27:07 pm »
Not just pretty low...beautifully low.  Gorgeously low.  As in never been conclusively scientifically documented low.

EDITED TO SAY:  I had a peek just now back through your thread.  I think you are in good shape.  Sorry to hear this took such a toll with you and your boyfriend.  And, no...we don't fault your "incessant posts".  Although a very small risk, you had a legitimate basis for concern.  Your questions have been a part of responsible sexual health.  That approach should continue to serve you well. 
« Last Edit: March 20, 2007, 11:34:04 pm by thunter34 »
AIDS isn't for sissies.

Offline mplsnicguy

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Re: Condom Broke - HIV Test
« Reply #12 on: March 20, 2007, 11:34:04 pm »
thunter,

is that in regards to oral, the RNA test at 10.5 days being unlikely to change, or both?

Thanks,
Scott

Offline thunter34

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  • His name is Carl.
Re: Condom Broke - HIV Test
« Reply #13 on: March 20, 2007, 11:35:47 pm »
thunter,

is that in regards to oral, the RNA test at 10.5 days being unlikely to change, or both?

Thanks,
Scott

Both, actually.  How's that to put a smile on your face?  Bet you'll sleep well tonight, eh?  LOL

Speaking of...Leno's on.  Gotta catch my nightly monologue and turn in soon myself!

Take care.
AIDS isn't for sissies.

Offline mplsnicguy

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Re: Condom Broke - HIV Test
« Reply #14 on: March 23, 2007, 12:37:55 am »
thanks for the reply.  this whole thing is starting to wear on me; especially since I used a condom and never had one break before.  I read about a PCR test that says at 28 days it is completely reliable although it has been known to have false positives.  Even though I had the negative RNA test for viral load and antibody at 10.5 days I think I will have this PCR test at 28 days because I NEED to put this behind me.

Would a negative PCR at 28 days be conclusive?  I know everyone states the antibody test at 13 weeks, but the research I have done says a negative PCR at 28 days is conclusive.  Do you guys agree?

Offline mplsnicguy

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Re: Condom Broke - HIV Test
« Reply #15 on: March 23, 2007, 02:40:54 pm »
Anyone from my original post?

Offline Andy Velez

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Re: Condom Broke - HIV Test
« Reply #16 on: March 23, 2007, 02:43:29 pm »
A negative PCR at 28 days is considered highly accurate. Nevertheless it is generally recommended to do an ELISA t 13 weeks to confirm the earlier result. I know that's not the answer you want to hear but that's the deal.

It is extremely unlikely that you will get other than another negative at 13 weeks once you have that earlier negative PCR, especially given how low your risk was to begin with.

 
Andy Velez

Offline mplsnicguy

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Re: Condom Broke - HIV Test
« Reply #17 on: March 23, 2007, 02:45:56 pm »
Andy,

So are you saying dont bother with anymore testing until 13 weeks since I have that negative RNA at 10.5 days?  And you think that is incredibly unlikely to change?  dont worry, i dont have unprotected sex. 

Offline Andy Velez

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Re: Condom Broke - HIV Test
« Reply #18 on: March 23, 2007, 03:02:18 pm »
Yes, I don't see any good purpose in testing before 13 weeks. 13 weeks is what is considered conclusive by the CDC and we go along with that.
Andy Velez

Offline mplsnicguy

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Re: Condom Broke - HIV Test
« Reply #19 on: March 23, 2007, 03:03:28 pm »
Andy,

last question.  do you think that the negative RNA viral load test at 10.5 days is very unlikely to change? 

Offline Andy Velez

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Re: Condom Broke - HIV Test
« Reply #20 on: March 23, 2007, 03:16:33 pm »
It's a very sensitive test which OFTEN is accurate within 48-72 hours. But 28 days is when is recommended to do that test.

A negative test result is always a good thing. I know you want a more definite answer but all I will say is that your risk was low and the odds are in your favor you'll test negative.
Andy Velez

 


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