Move on?

Hi Doctors, I previously posted a comment to the great doctors from america which i gained some valueable information. However i would just like to gain a final opinion from you guys due to the fact that i live in the UK and seen as you are doctors in the UK you could direct me were to go from here :)
Okay so i engaged in unprotected heterosexual vaginal and anal sex with a CSW in Czech republic. Tested 6 weeks negative for all STD's and HIV in my local NHS GUM clinic. Took a test at 12 weeks exact and was told if i didn't hear anything in 2 weeks i should move on. It has now been 2 weeks and i haven't heard nothing.

1.I would just like to know is it safe for me 2 move on and contintue sex with my girlfriend and also can i assume i'm negative?

2.Do the NHS use 3rd generation or 4th generation in there HIV testing??

3. How confident can i be that i dont have HIV?

4. Is testing out to 6 months necessary? or am i reading outdated info when i hear such things?

Thank you so much i would really appreciate your feedback on my questions. By the way great to see you guys on medhelp! Take care

[Dr Sean Cummings]

Hi Jay,

You're activity was pretty high risk wasn't it! Hopefully you'll carry a gigantic pack of condoms around with you after this?

In answer to the specifics:-

1) I personally don't like the no-news is good news scenario, although the NHS in the UK uses it a lot so my personal thought would be to ring the clinic and check the result before you start having unprotected sex with your girlfriend.

2) A mix. The ideal standard is a 4th generation combined HIV 1 and 2 antibody test and p24 antigen test. This is recommended in the most recent Dept of Health and British HIV Association Guidelines. Some units are still using 3rd generation tests. But the good news for you is that even if a thrid generation test was used then they are more than 99% accurate at 6 weeks anyway. A 4th generation test would be conclusive at that point.

3) if you get a negative from the 12 week test then you can be certain you do not have HIV

4) Yep, testing at 6 months is not necessary. Modern testing is very very accurate and certainly if you have two negatives as is likely within a 12 week period post exposure then you do not need to test again.

You're very welcome! Hopefully my answers matched the US guys? Gulp!!

Best wishes, Sean

[jay251]

Hey Sean, thanks for the answers, I'm going to take ur personal advice and ring the clinic monday to make sure and find out about my results, which i must admitt would make me feel alot better to rather than the no news is good news thing. The last 12 weeks have been a rollercoaster for me over this stupid mistake. Regret it so much and it will never happen again. Do you think my test will be negative after my 6 week negative? Based on your experience in this field? Thank you once again, I'l try and make this my last question lol Cheers doc.

[Dr Sean Cummings]

Hi again, yes, I think you'll find you have a negative test result but given the exposure and the fact that you have a partner then I would just like to be sure you have the correct result. I think you'll be fine. Best wishes, Sean

[jay251]

Hi Sean, I just called the clinic and they told me everything was negative (Thank God) Thanks for your advice. All been well back to reality!

[Dr Sean Cummings]

Great news Jay! Remember what I said about that big pack of condoms..........!

best wishes, Sean

[jay251]

Sean, i reallyyyyy dont want to sound like a pain in the bum, so please try and forgive me in advance. I tested like i told u 12 weeks exact but beacause my exposure was on early, early saturday morning say about 2.am, i tested on the friday maybe (83 days) 12 weeks because i classed my exposure as late friday night?? does this matter??  should i have waited the full 84 days? Lately i've been getting on with my life, love my girl and all around me but i'm scared to have sex again because i keep reading stupid things about 6 month testing but i trust you when you said 12 weeks in enough... I know u gave me all the info i need but please could you tell me, should i stop been such a idiot and be certain i dont have hiv due to my 3 tests up to 12 weeks been negative? Thank you for been pateint, God bless you

[Dr Sean Cummings]

Hi Jay, You're negative. No more if's but's please. Best wishes, Sean