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

What Are The Chances Of STD Tests Being Inaccurate?

Posted on Mon, 6 Apr 2015

Question: It has been 6+ years since my last potentially risky sexual encounter. Over the last 6 years, I've never had a single STD-related symptom. I took a comprehensive STD test last year and everything came back negative. Unfortunately, I am having a hard time accepting my results because I am a bit of a worrier. My question is - should I have any reason to believe my test results are inaccurate? Is it possible that I waited too long to be tested and therefore my results are a false-negative? I need some peace of mind - please help! Thanks!

Answered by Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (39 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Tests will be accurate if done in reliable lab.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for query. I am Dr Bharatesh D Basti answering your query.
Welcome to health care magic.
I have gone through the details.

STDs tests have come negative after 6 years exposure.There is no complaints or symptoms or problems or diseases diagnosed ,after the last exposure till date.
You did not have any STDs . Now you do not have any STDs.
There is nothing to worry about the authenticity or accuracy of results.Do not think results as false negatives.Usually these tests are done in reliable laboratory. So do not worry.
The details of tests done is not clear.
You can send details of investigations for clarification.
I do not see any reason for you to worry about any STDs.The tests are negative.
You can get back for any clarification.
Thank you
Dr Bharatesh D Basti
Dermatologist and venerologist.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (16 hours later)

Thanks doctor. I want to clarify - it has not been 6 years of exposure - it has been 6 years SINCE exposure. So my question is about the time lapse between the risky sexual behavior and the tests (a time lapse of 5+ years). Is this a sufficiently long window or is this TOO long of a window? The tests were done through Labcorp and the results were all negative/nonreactive. The actual tests were handled by APG (Analyte Physicians Group) who has gotten great reviews. So further detail for you is I have been married two years and in a monogamous relationship for 6 years. Prior to that I had a couple of unprotected sexual encounters with a couple of women. My wife has only been with me. I just want to be sure my risky behavior 6+ years ago has not resulted in any STDs. Like I said - never a symptom and negative test results a year ago. But did I wait too long to get tested? Would some things not show up because I waited so long? Thanks again!

Answered by Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Though late to test you are free from STDs .

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for follow up query.

Yes,it is true that you had delayed the tests. It does not mean that the tests were false negative. Most of these test for antibodies and detect them even if it is long term antibodies. You truly were lucky that you were not affected by any STDs with previous unprotected exposures.
No STDs will have such long window period.
If you had any STDs it would have manifested by now or shown in the test results.
There is nothing to worry about STDs, as you do not have any other exposures.
So allay fears of STDs.
You can get back for any clarification.
Thank you
Dr Bharatesh D Basti

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

Follow up: Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (5 hours later)

Thanks again doctor for your quick response. Here are the details of my tests that were performed last year.

Chlamydia
Value: Negative
Range: Negative
Result: Negative

Hepatitis B
Value: Negative
Range: Negative
Result: Negative

Hepatitis C
Value: <0.1
Range: 0.0-0.9
Result: Negative

Gonorrhea
Value: Negative
Range: Negative
Result: Negative

Herpes Simplex Virus Type I
Value: <0.91
Range: 0.00-0.90
Result: Negative

Herpes Simplex Virus Type II
Value: <0.91
Range: 0.00-0.90
Result: Negative

HIV-1 Antibody
Value: <1.00
Range: <1.00
Result: Negative

HIV 1/O/2 Abs, Qual
Value: Non Reactive
Range: Non Reactive
Result: Negative

Syphilis (RPR)
Value: Non Reactive
Range: Non Reactive
Result: Negative

So those were the specific results. Doctor, all I want to know is I am 100% in the clear. Unfortunately I passed along HPV to my wife (which is what prompted the comprehensive STD testing) and I wanted to make absolutely sure that there is no risk of me passing anything else along. Sounds like I'm clean but I wanted your expert opinion. Thanks again!

Answered by Dr. Bharatesh Devendra Basti (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Free from STDs.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thank you for follow up query.
As per the reports you are free from STDs.
HPV and herpes can be transmitted by skin to skin contact or as STDs .Herpes is negative.
I do not see possibility of transmission of other STDs.
You can allay fears.
You can get back for any clarification.
Thank you
Dr Bharatesh D Basti

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

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