Extended window period and testing

[ibfit04]

Greetings,

 A bit over four weeks ago, I had a very high risk exposure  ( Condom broke with HIV positive), apparently I got chlamydia from such exposure which has left me with a moderate case of reactive arthritis and frequent urination, however I also tested negative for an antigen P24 HIV test. I tested negative on a rapid test at three weeks, and of course expect to test at 6 and 12 weeks respectively. However , my doctor keeps telling me that I should get a PCR viral load test at 2 - 3 months and antibody test at 6 months. Based on what I have read on here and other sites; the six month window  period is a bit outdated , despite risk or symptoms and a P24 antigen test at 4 weeks, is not conclusive but quite encouraging

[Jim Allen]

Hi

You are correct guidelines are to test at 6 weeks past any incident and then at 13 weeks to confirm the result. 

If you test negative at 13 weeks past any possible exposure it is conclusive.
You can read about testing here:HIV Testing

Here's what you need to know in order to avoid hiv infection:
You need to be using condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse, every time, no exceptions. As you are sexually active, it is highly recommended that you get a full sexual health check-up / screening at least annually including but not limited to hiv testing.

Remember that some sexual practices which may be described as ‘safe’ in terms of HIV transmission might still pose a risk for transmission of other STI's. So please do get fully tested regularly for all STI's including HIV and more frequently if unprotected intercourse occurs. Also note that it is possible to have an STI and show no signs or symptoms and the only way of knowing is by testing.

Finally use condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse, correctly and consistently, to avoid sexually transmitted hiv infection.

Kind regards

Jim

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[ibfit04]

Thank you for your reply,

How accurate is an antigen test at 4 weeks? I read that HIV protein levels tend to be at their peak at around four weeks, so the fact that my antigen level were below the cut off value might be a good indicator, am I right?

[Jim Allen]

Hi

Depends on the specifics of the test that said it's a good that your 4 weeks result was negative, however I can only recommend that you do go and do the follow-up tests at 6 & 13 weeks.

Jim

[ibfit04]

OK thanks! I will keep a positive outlook, and hope for a similar negative result at 6 weeks, I really don't want to take a PCR viral load test , which I know  is not generally used to diagnose HIV infection , and of top of that having to wait for six months. I am not a cancer patient, nor an IV drug user and as my last test I am not HEP C positive ....so I don't get why she is suggesting waiting that long :S

[Jim Allen]

Indeed, and try not to worry too much in the meantime, simply test & continue to practice safer sex.

Jim

[ibfit04]

Saludos,

Hace ya 10 meses tuve un accidente, donde el condom se rompió con un chico VIH+ , me entere muy tarde y ni pude tomar PEP, desde entonces he tenido una seria de síntomas desde folliculitis en ambos brazos, sinusitis, dolores de cabeza, frecuencia y urgencia urinaria, ganglios inflamados en todo el cuerpo, sensaciones de ardor en las manos , pies y en el cráneo. Mi vida ha sido un infierno desde entonces con síntomas que van y vienen o simplemente se han quedado activos desde el accidente.

Adquirí chlamydia y me entere a las tres semanas, pero he tomado varios exámenes de VIH ( 6 semanas, 3 meses, 6 meses)  y todos han salido neg aunque los síntomas persisten o empeoran. Entonces, puedo estar seguro de que soy neg? estoy pensando en volver a tomar un examen de antígeno en unos meses y tomar un PCR o un RNA por primera vez. Tengo miedo de ser positivo y tener una variación extraña del virus o ser declarado con AIDS en pocos meses, como pasa con personas seronegativas, por que creo ser una

[Andy Velez]

Estas preocupando innecesario.  Sus resultados negativo a 12 semanas o mas son fiable y conclusivo.  Vd. estas el VIH negativo.

No hay nada en sus sintomas que es el VIH especifico.  Si continuando tiene que discutirlos con su doctor.  No puede hacer un diagnostico aqui.

No tiene que probar otra vez.  El VIH no es su problema.

[ibfit04]

Gracias Andy por su respuesta. Decidi tomar otro examen cerca de los 10 meses y fue neg. Pero aun tengo sintomas neurologicos y ahora he desarrollado dolor neurologico en el lado izquierdo de mi cara, mi mejilla esta siempre adolorida, tengo dolores constantes de cabeza, me duele el pecho y todavia tengo ganglios inflamados incluso frente a la oreja derecha.

No tendre acceso a un buen Dr hasta dentro de un mes y estoy muriendo de la preocupacion, estoy casi seguro de que soy seropositivo y  todavia no he producido anticuerpos

[Jim Allen]

Firstly, you are HIV negative and have tested convulsively negative a number of times over beyond any possible window period. Also I have merged your threads.

You have been banned for 28 day day for positing about this again and also for posting outside your originally thread.

HIV is not your problem, move on don't return with this nonsense.

Please Note.
As a member of the AM I Infected Forum you are required to only post in this one thread no matter how long between visits or the subject matter. You can find this thread by going to your profile and selecting show own post and it will take you here . It helps us to help you when you keep all your thoughts or questions in one thread and it helps other readers to follow the discussion. Any additional threads will be deleted.