OraQuick oral swab- In-Home-HIV

[Ranjed1956]

Hello, I have a question about OraQuick oral swab- In-Home-HIV-Test... I had unprotected sex with a girl that she told me she is ok and she is 100% doesn't have HIV, that was as i remember, I'm pretty much sure on Dec 26 2013 then after 2 weeks i woke one day I had a pain in my shoulder, neck and my arms (including needles... pins and twitching and sometimes weakness in both arms) then 2 weeks after i started having like pain in my legs around the knees and thighs and sometimes they become red they are not itchy but they ache me, pain such like i have been walking or standing for a long time and the redness comes and goes... I keep thinking about HIV it's really freaking me out and become anxious because of it. Then i found out about OraQuick oral swab i tested myself 2 times on February 12 2014 (7 weeks after exposure) it was negative and then i kept thinking about it and about the 90 days mark for testing all the time and I tested myself again on March 27 2013, (13 weeks, 91 days after exposure) then again i tested myself yesterday April 1,2014 ( 96 days after exposure which almost week 14) all the test results were NEGATIVE... I'm sorry for this stupid question but Can I trust that test kit which is FDA approved and they sell them everywhere... And how about the test result is it right at day 96 (after 3 month mark) I'm not infected with HIV??? Please I need somebody expert that can give me an answer that will calm me down lil bit.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Welcome to the forum. Thanks for your question.

The HIV antibody tests, including the home oral fluids test, are among the most accurate diagnostic tests that exist, for any medical condition.  Therefore, the test results always overrule exposure history, symptoms, or anything else. No matter how high the risk at the time of exposure (your risk was very low) and no matter how typical the symptoms for a new HIV infection (your symptoms were not at all suggestive of HIV), your negative test result more than three months later proves you do not have HIV. In fact, your 7 week test was virtually conclusive.

So indeed you can calm down.  Stop worrying and don't have any more HIV tests.  However, your risk for other STDs may have been a lot higher than for HIV. Consider testing for gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis if not yet done.

Please get in the condom habit for future casual sexual exposures!

I hope these comments have been helpful.  Best wishes--   HHH, MD

[miamidude123]

Clearview at 38 days was finger prick antibody test

[miamidude123]

Hi dr. I read few of ur posts about the oral swab taking longer to show positive. However in this thread you mentioned 7 week virtually conclusive for oral swab home test. Also is finger prick blood and drawing blood from needle is same terms of window perid. I have clearview rapid hiv1/2 antibody test at 38 days and oraquick home test oral swab at 53 day. Both were negative

[Ranjed1956]

Sorry if my question sounded stupid but i just wanted to make sure if there is no need to restart the timing of the window period since it was safe sex during window period.

Thanks a lot Dr. Hunter

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Safe and protected sex is not A risk factor for HIV, So there would be no need to restart the timing until a valid test result.

[Ranjed1956]

Hello Dr Hunter

I have one small question if you don't mind, Does practicing safe and protected sex using condom during the window period would resechdule or restart the window period?

Thank you.

[Ranjed1956]

Thank u so much doctor :)