HIV testing - Confussion

[smpr]

HI

First I would like to thanks to all Docs for wonderfull forum

I had an Exposure with CSW in UAE , after the exposure i didnt got any type ARS but i was worried and I test at 49 days after exposure for HIV 1/2 AB and P24 Antigen (HIV Duo) both come result come negative and my doctor told me that result is conclusive and no need for further testing , But For peace of mind I took test on 60th day HIV 1/2 AB and P24 AG againg both came negative Doc said no need for testing it is sure that you are HIV Negative.
But I have few questions
1) why people are saying 3 months ?
2) I read some thread on the same forum 99% of people will pick AB in 8 week time frame and the rest 1 % of the people who has Immunocompramised people will develop AB later thats why CDC put 3 month mark , is that true?
3) After my exposure I took Medicine for Heart burn will it delay AB development?
4) Can I 100% sure that I am not contracted with HIV and conclude my reslut ?
5)  Doc said if anyone infected with HIV will develop antigen first then after few weeks AB will develop if AG test will not able to detect The AB test will detect, Becouse if you are Infected with HIV Either AG or AB will be shown in the blood after 4 weeks . is that true?
I am waiting for you reply
thanks

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to our Forum.  The answers to your questions are very straight forward.  The recommendations for testing at 3 and even 6 months are the result of two factors- data from older tests no longer used (you really do not need to worry about which generation of tests you were tested with, at this time virtually all tests are far more sensitive that they were even 2-3 years ago when the 3 month recommendation was made) and secondly, the fact that some mostly governmental agencies which have to provide recommendations for virtually everyone without the sort of interactions such as those you get with your doctor or n-on personalized sites such as this, feel the cannot "afford" to be wrong and therefore make recommendations and guidelines which leave most people unnecessarily nervous for 4-6 weeks longer than the 6-8 weeks it takes virtually everyone to develop HIV antibodies.   With respect to your specific questions:

1.  see above.
2.  At the represent time, the only people really at risk for delayed antibody responses are the very rare people with other conditions which compromise their antibody production and people who have taken anti-HIV therapy in the hope of preventing infection.\
3.  No, no impact.
4.  You did not get HIV. Time for you to stop worrying and move on.
5.  The antigen and antibody test do reinforce each other and the Duo test you took does detect some persons who are antigen positive before they have developed antibodies.

I repeat, you have nothing to worry about.  You did not get HIV.  EWH

[smpr]

Thanks for your reply

So I can Conclusive my test result and I can move On with 100% assurance that I dont have HIV

[Edward W Hook, MD]

As it appears that my answers seem to fuel rather than relieve your unwarranted anxieties, this will be the last answer.  No, the residual chickenpox marks are most likely scarring at the site of skin lesions, part of the body's normal healing process.  It is tiem for you to move on beyond this.  Take care.  EWH

[smpr]

Thanks for your reply

I had chickenpox 2 years before and marks are still on my body is that effect production of antibody

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Unless you have had lots of other infections or are undergoing cancer chemotherapy, be confident that you do not have a compromised immune system.  Peole whose immune systems are weak know it.  EWH

[Vance2335]

Just to chime in quick, people who can possibly test positive outside of the recommended time frame have compromised immune systems. Under going chemyotherapy and things of that nature.

[smpr]

Thanks for your reply

One last question you mentioned that delayed antibody responses are the very rare people with other conditions which compromise their antibody production who are those persons how can I know that I am not included ?

Thanks and merry X mas