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Is HIV Test Done Post 12 Weeks Of Exposure Conclusive?

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Posted on Mon, 4 Jul 2016
Question: Dear Doctor I have been here before but still worried will recap

Exposure 28 weeks ago: Insertive with a Massage lady in Bangkok and I am 90% sure that it was protected but their might have been a slippage and she did remove the condom after (I did not check it).

Symptoms:

-     Week 2 I had a week long headache and hot flashes (never had a headache longer than a day before)
-     Week 10 swollen uvula and tonsils (improved but still slightly swollen)
-     Week 10 Extremely dry mouth and throat that lasted 4 months and just finally disappeared 2 weeks ago.
-     Many night sweats till week 15.
-     Week 10 lethargy that lasted for 4 months and slowly getting better.
-     Week 18 low WBC 3.9 just improved to 4.8 in week 26 but still on the low side of normal.
-     Unintentional weight loss of more than 5-7 KG.
-     Numbness and ache especially at night in my left foot that has been with me for over a month now.

Testing:

-     Week 3 PCR RNA HIV1/2 in clinic in Dubai negative.
-     Week 3 Duo HIV1/2 in clinic in Dubai negative.
-     Week 6 HIV1/2 in clinic in Dubai negative and full STD panel negative as well.
-     Week 11 Allere determine HIV1/2 negative.
-     Week 12 HIV1/2 in clinic in Dubai negative.
-     Week 15 Allere determine HIV1/2 negative.
-     Week 17 Anti HIV in the Thai red Cross negative.
-     Week 18 Anti HIV, Hepatitis and VDRL in Bumrungrad international hospital in Bangkok negative.
-     Week 25 Anti HIV in the Thai red Cross negative.
-     Week 25 Anti HIV in Bumrungrad international hospital in Bangkok negative.
-     Week 26 HIV1/2 in clinic in Dubai negative.

I know by now I should move forward and put it all behind me but I still can’t for the following reasons:
-     I never had symptoms like these in my life and it just happened after my 1 incident with that lady.
-     I know guilt and regret could contribute to the symptoms but the decline in WBC indicates a physical problem.
-     No alternative explanation was provided by the doctors to me other than it could be any random virus.
And now my questions:
-     I know that 13 weeks is conclusive but are there cases that take longer to turn positive (I’m not a drug user, not on chemotherapy, and no immunodeficiency)?
-     would the tests I have taken pick up all the strains in the same window period?
- If I was your patient with the mentioned symptoms what would you suspect the cause?
- Is it safe to be intimate with my wife? (we are trying to have another baby but I'm still scared)
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sunil Jangid (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Absolutely safe and risk free from HIV.

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX

Welcome to HCM.

You had protected sex and test results for HIV are negative after 12 weeks along with negative STDs panel tests then there is absolutely no risk for HIV so no need to take unnecessary stress or tension.

The symptoms may be due to over anxiousness or seasonal change or other common viral illness but not related to HIV. Consult your physician and get tested for some blood investigations to islolate the cause. Follow the advice for further management.

The tests results are 100% conclusive and reliable after 3 months and detect all the strains if any will present in the window period which varies from 15 days to 3 months so be assured about accuracy.

You can surely initiate or resume with your wife if planning for the baby. Avoid too much thoughts or perceptions related to HIV, forget about the past and move on in life with your family. If still any doubt left in your mind feel free to ask me.

Thank You
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Sunil Jangid (26 hours later)
Hi, I have provided some attachments. Please review them.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sunil Jangid (24 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
The reports are normal.

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,

Welcome back and thanks for follow-up.

All the reports you have attached are within normal range so nothing to worry at all. Just relax yourself and move on in life with your family happily.

Thank You
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Sunil Jangid (18 hours later)
Thank you for you answer it is reassuring.

the problem is that I live in a country where a positive diagnoses means immediate deportation and that is why I can't go through full medical check up before being 100% sure it is not HIV.

The long term swollen tonsils for 5 months now and the unintentional weight loss of 7 KGs are scaring me as it point towards HIV in most searches on line, in addition to the other oral symptoms (dry mouth, swollen tongue, dry throat) I hope it is another viral infection.

can you please answer few other questions:
- Is there any other STD I should consider retesting for.
- As per your knowledge have you came across case where a negative result up to six month turned into positive.
- As per the blood results that I have sent in APR and MAY do you have any suspecion or advice on what other blood test I should consider.

Thanks again for your kindness
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sunil Jangid (2 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
I have not came across any such case.

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,

Welcome back once again.

You can go for STD panel test and vitamins profile as per my opinion. Your symptoms are not related to HIV which I can say from my experience.

I have not came across any such case where result of negative test at 6 months turned out to positive as all these tests are highly reliable and accurate.

Don't get scared or anxious for HIV and go for full body check without any tension. You are definitely safe and risk free. Always stay happy and healthy.

Thank You
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Sunil Jangid (41 hours later)
One last question just out of curiosity is the CRF01-AE strain in Thailand easily detectable in the current tests as I found few incidences online that claimed they were not detected until later.
Same for HIV2 (I know it is mainly in west XXXXXXX but the CSWs in Thailand get clients from all over the world)

Thank you very much I will try to accept the results and move on with my life.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sunil Jangid (37 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
The possibility of HIV2 is very very rare.

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,

Welcome to HCM once again.

As you know HIV2 is very uncommon in XXXXXXX It is found mainly in West XXXXXXX and Sab Saharan area. I agree that CSW in Thailand have clients from this region but still the possibility of HIV2 is very rare.

The best way to relieve your anxiety or tension is to get tested HIV2 specifically and the result will clear all your doubts. Be relaxed and forget about HIV as you are absolutely safe and risk free from HIV.

Thank You
Note: Get personalized answers to your HIV related queries You can choose to talk face to face with your doctor. Book a Video Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Sunil Jangid

HIV AIDS Specialist

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 2020 Questions

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Is HIV Test Done Post 12 Weeks Of Exposure Conclusive?

Brief Answer: Absolutely safe and risk free from HIV. Detailed Answer: Dear XXXX Welcome to HCM. You had protected sex and test results for HIV are negative after 12 weeks along with negative STDs panel tests then there is absolutely no risk for HIV so no need to take unnecessary stress or tension. The symptoms may be due to over anxiousness or seasonal change or other common viral illness but not related to HIV. Consult your physician and get tested for some blood investigations to islolate the cause. Follow the advice for further management. The tests results are 100% conclusive and reliable after 3 months and detect all the strains if any will present in the window period which varies from 15 days to 3 months so be assured about accuracy. You can surely initiate or resume with your wife if planning for the baby. Avoid too much thoughts or perceptions related to HIV, forget about the past and move on in life with your family. If still any doubt left in your mind feel free to ask me. Thank You