Are Gonorrhea And HIV Test Results After 39 Days Of Exposure,conclusive?

Posted on Wed, 10 Sep 2014

Question: I have some questions about STD testing and the accuracy of it. I went and got tested for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV 39 days after possible exposure and all the results came back negative. I'm still concerned about my HIV status and how reliable the test was for that. I know doctors say test again at 3 months and I've also heard that after 28 days if the test results come back negative that it's accurate that you do not have HIV. A condom was used during vaginal intercourse and as far as I know the person I had sex with does not have any STD's however I can't be 100% sure. I plan to go take the early HIV Detection that directly looks for the virus instead of the antibodies which is supposed to be 99% accurate. What are the chances that I don't have HIV since I tested 5 1/2 weeks after possible exposure and everything came back negative. Since the other tests came back negative is that a good indication that I don't have HIV or does that even matter.

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
STD/HIV1 ruledout.Suggested rapidtest after 12week

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to HCM.
Thanks for posting your query.

As far as for the tests for Gonorrhea, Chlamydia and Syphilis done after 39 days after high risk exposure were concerned, they are reliable and you need not bother about those diseases any more.
Regarding HIV, I would like to know about the test you had. There are many type of tests available for HIV. Antigen detecting tests, Antibody detecting tests and combination of both.
Antigen based tests are conclusive by 4 weeks on wards, but a negative test usually rule out only HIV 1 infection which is most common (99%). So you are HIV 1 free.
Antibody tests like rapid tests, ELISA, Western blot tests ruled out both HIV 1 and 2, but they are more conclusive after 12 weeks.
So, if you have one more antibody based test after 12 weeks you would be more confident and got relieved totally. The chances for STD/HIV following a protected exposure is a remote possibility. If you have more doubts feel free to ask.
So nothing to worry.
Dr S.Murugan

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (48 minutes later)

The test that I have already had is the HIV 1-EIA Screen which I believe is the Antibody test. How conclusive is this test 39 days after possible exposure. The next test I will be getting is the Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 (HIV-1), Qualitative, RNA which I believe is the early HIV detection test. How accurate is this test if I take it 46 days after possible exposure? I've also heard that you have to take the early detection test within a certain period of time for it to be accurate is this true? Should I worry about HIV-2 and getting tested for it?

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
EIA not useful.RNA PCR ruled out HIV 1

Detailed Answer:
Hi, Welcome back.

As you had a protected exposure, further test for HIV is unnecessary. If you feel disturbed, then another ELISA or rapid test is advisable.

HIV disease has a window period up to 12 weeks during which time Antibody test may likely to be negative even in presence of infection as the antibody production may be delayed up to 12 weeks. So your negative EIA screen test was not having much value.
Your HIV RNA Qualitative test ruled out HIV 1 infection. It is a conclusive result.
Test for HIV 2 is not necessary as you had protected exposure. If you want more satisfaction, you can have another HIV antibody based test after 12 weeks.
DR S.muruigan

Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar