This is a good question. Soon after an exposure (i.e. within 8 weeks of exposure) the rapid tests perform slightly less well than the laboratory-based tests. After that however these differences are no longer an issue. Your tests at 3 months and 109 days are reliable and should be believed, as I said earlier. EWH
Hello Dr. Hook I had one last concern that I like to ask you about. the test that I had done were all rapid HIV antibody test as I mentioned on the first post I had a rapid HIV antibody detection test the one where they either do the oral swab or prick the finger, and it takes about 20 minutes to get the results. As I mentioned I got my finger prick in all occasions. I wanted to know if those test are accurate as the test in which they draw your blood? and if I can trust the results as you have told me on your previous answer. I do apologize for bothering you with the subject again but I do not have the same knowledge on the HIV virus and testing that you have.
Dr. Hook thank you for your advice and expertise on the HIV subject I feel better now and I can put that episode behind and try to live again. I will trust my results and move on. Once again thank you.
Yes, you should believe your test results. Your bout withthe flu/cold is coincidence and not related to the exposures that you described. EWH
Dr. Hook thank you for responding so fast your answer has put some of my fears to rest. The only thing that has me worried now, is that on March 18, 2013 which was last Monday I develop a very bad cold/flu with fever, sore throat, and very violent cough, it is better now but I still have some cough and my throat is still a bit sore from the very violent coughing I had in the beginning. I have been reading on the internet about late seroconversion, and I have read that you can experience those symptoms that I have described to you, and that has me in a state of panic right now. Dr. Hook this cold/ flu that started on the 18th of March has nothing to do with HIV since my results at 3 months and 109 days are definite and trustworthy, and also since I have remain abstinent since my encounter in early November correct? Is this just a cold/flu that is going around?
Welcome to our Forum. I'm pleased to provide you with reassurance that you did not get HIV from the exposures that you describe. I agree with you that this was a risky exposure and you were correct to be worried about it. At the same time, your tests at 3 months and 109 days provide definitive evidence that you were not infected with HIV during the encounters that you can describe. At this time you can be confident that you did not get HIV- believe your tests. There is no need for additional testing.
I hope you find my reassurance helpful. EWH