HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Is Negative INSTI HIV Test Report After 6 Months Of Exposure Conclusive?

default
Posted on Tue, 17 Nov 2015
Question: Hi, I have not had any sexual contact in 7 months which is March. About 3 months and 9 days after my sexual contact I developed a rash. I got rid of it by getting antibiotics. The following month in July I developed hives. I took the Insti Hiv test six months after possible exposure and tested negative. I now have swollen lymph node on my left side of my neck below my left ear. My question is what could this be? Should I get tested again for HIV?, How accurate are the results after waiting six months to get tested for HIV?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (58 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Test highly reliable. Unlikely to be due to HIV

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to HCM.
Thanks for posting your query.
Lymph node enlargement could be due to many reasons, not necessarily due to HIV.
Almost all HIV tests available are highly reliable and specific more than 97%. A negative HIV test 3 months after the high risk exposure ensures that you are free from HIV. You had the test after 6 months. So there is no doubt in the reliability of the test. Another negative test with some other method (4th generation combo test) makes the reliability to 100%.
So confirm that you are free from HIV with another test and consult your physician and get treated for the Lymph node swelling. Get well soon.
Dr S Murugan
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. Sonia Raina
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan

HIV AIDS Specialist

Practicing since :1974

Answered : 3108 Questions

Ask me a question
premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Ask an HIV AIDS Specialist
Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
backtotop2
Is Negative INSTI HIV Test Report After 6 Months Of Exposure Conclusive?

Brief Answer: Test highly reliable. Unlikely to be due to HIV Detailed Answer: Hi, Welcome to HCM. Thanks for posting your query. Lymph node enlargement could be due to many reasons, not necessarily due to HIV. Almost all HIV tests available are highly reliable and specific more than 97%. A negative HIV test 3 months after the high risk exposure ensures that you are free from HIV. You had the test after 6 months. So there is no doubt in the reliability of the test. Another negative test with some other method (4th generation combo test) makes the reliability to 100%. So confirm that you are free from HIV with another test and consult your physician and get treated for the Lymph node swelling. Get well soon. Dr S Murugan