POZ Community Forums
HIV Prevention and Testing => Do I Have HIV? => Topic started by: lampade on October 16, 2006, 04:38:55 am
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Hi everyone,
Last April I tested negative for HIV with the Orasure Advance Rapid Test. At the time I was tested, I had waited one day short of 6 weeks, and my thinking was that the latest statistics were saying the window period for antibody tests was approximately 6 weeks. However, I recently read that rapid tests such as the one administered to me require a longer period, of about 3 months. Considering that I had a moderately risky exposure, consisting of my performing fellatio on a guy without a condom, and an oral exposure to some of his pre-seminal fluid, this kind of upsets me.
Any opinions or advice are greatly appreciated, because the idea of re-testing really frightens me.
Thanks
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Your risk was at the bottom of the risk scale. There are no Orasure Advance Rapid Tests. There is however an OraQuick Advance 20 minute rapid test by Orasure Tech. I wouldn't have tested to begin with but since you seemed to be have some anxiety of the test. Have another test done at 3 months to get your conclusive test which I doubt will have changed unless you have had recent riskier exposures such as unprotected anal or vaginal sex.
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Sorry, OraQuick was the name I meant. And no, I haven't had any other exposures since then. Thank you. :)
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I'm still not sure whether or not to retest. I'll worry myself sick if I don't, and worry myself sick if I do. Heh. Also, do you guys think it would make a difference if I had a canker sore somewhere inside my mouth when I was exposed to his pre-seminal fluid? I don't know if I did, but I'm prone to them. :(
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I agree with Rod that your risk was virtually nil, more theoretical than actual. Your canker sore would not have added to your risk in any significant way.
I expect you to continue to test negative and for your peace of mind I suggest you do re-test just to remove any lingering concerns.
Cheers,