Rapid Tests

[PanicStations18]

Hi all,

First of what great forum you guys provide.

My situation is the following. I had a potential exposure from a sex worker, this was protected session but can't confirm if the condom was damaged or stayed on as I was intoxicated at the time. After 2 months I started having some pains lower abdomen to start then aches  in groin and leg areas, 3 months white tongue with red patches that come and go 5 months some sort of rash on penis. The panic started to sink in and have carried out the following tests since.

All Rapid Tests.
3+ Months

4x - 2nd gen Surecheck HIV 1/2 (Previously Biosure) from UK pharmacy Boots - Negative

1x 3rd gen SimplitudeByMe from THT charity (UK HIV charity) - Negative

4+ Months
2x 2nd gen Surecheck HIV 1/2 (Previously Biosure) from UK pharmacy Boots - Negative

5+ Months

1x 2nd gen surecheck HIV 1/2 (Previously Biosure) from UK pharmacy Boots - Negative

2x 2nd gen Oraquick (Oral Swab) - Negative

1x 4th gen Alere Determine Early Detectipn carried out by a Better2know clinic. I wasnt sure on this test as after 10-15 minutes the person who carried out the test confirmed this as a negative result but when I looked online it said this should be confirmed at 20 mins.

I believe some of you are UK based so will be familiar with tests and there accuracy?

Kind Regards

[Jim Allen]

Hiya,

Ill presume you just had condomless intercourse, but that doesn't explain the excessive HIV screening history; in short, you didn't acquire HIV from the concerned encounter and did not need 11x HIV screening.

Relax, move on with your life, use condoms for any intercourse and as you are sexually active, go to a GUM clinic in the UK for an STI screening yearly.

Here's what you need to know to reduce your HIV risks:
Use condoms for anal or vaginal intercourse correctly and consistently, with no exceptions. Consider talking to your healthcare provider about PrEP as an additional layer of protection against HIV

Keep in mind that some sexual practices described as safe in terms of acquiring HIV still pose a risk for other easier-acquired STIs. So please do get tested at least yearly for STIs, including but not limited to HIV, and more frequently if condomless intercourse occurs.

Also, note that it is possible to have an STI and show no signs or symptoms; testing is the only way to know.

Kind regards

Jim

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[Jim Allen]

Also, see your GP regarding the rash on your privates and get it treated; the same can be said for the suspected oral thrush. If its oral thrush, no panic; it's common and happens to most adults at some point in their lives, its just fungal overgrowth.

[PanicStations18]

Hi Jim,

Thanks for your quick response.

The reason I have carried out most of these tests is due to the following:

1. The symptoms which have persisted throughout (started at 2 months post exposure currently at 5 months).
2. Window period being slightly longer on at home/rapid self tests.
3. Wanted to take more than 1 test also by different manufacturers to ensure it was a true NEGATIVE.
4. I've became pretty obsessive about it now.

My biggest thought is the reliability/accuracy of these even after 5 months

Kind Regards

[Jim Allen]

Well, I hope you realize now these are very poor or irrational reasons, and as for being obsessed, I hope you can now move on with your life.

Do get the rash and suspected thrush checked and treated.

[PanicStations18]

Hi Jim,

Are you familiar with most of these tests and would you say I can trust these results?

Kind Regards

[Jim Allen]

I already answered. Now, to be clear, if you needed further HIV testing over the concerned encounter for whatever reason, I would not be telling you to move on with your life.

You didn't aquire HIV from the concerned encounter, and you didn't need to test 11x.
Relax, and move on with your life.

Hiya,

Ill presume you just had condomless intercourse, but that doesn't explain the excessive HIV screening history; in short, you didn't acquire HIV from the concerned encounter and did not need 11x HIV screening.

Relax, move on with your life, use condoms for any intercourse and as you are sexually active, go to a GUM clinic in the UK for an STI screening yearly.