20 days later neg results accurate?

[xray2005]

Hello Doc, My question is that i had unprotected sex with my ex-girlfriend and somebody i was seen at the time with no protection i got tested with all Stds 20 days later and all came negative. I know them both well and i asked them if they had hiv and they said that they were negative, they both work in helth care and 1 of them is a doctor. she told me that in 20 days it will show and that my results are accurate. 3 mths later i feel tender axillary lymphnodes, they dont hurt but feel tender when i touch them. Im going crazy cause i read that it could be symptoms of hiv. I dont know what to think or do. I asked them both to please get tested and they agree and that i was being paranoid, but from what i read pain in lymphnodes is not good news. i dont have any other health problem.
-Are my HIV results accurate?
-Should i get tested again?
-What are my chances of swollen lymphnodes to be a symptom of hiv after 3 mths?
-what could cause tender lympnodes in my armpits?
-i just had urine test and herpes blood work done, will it show on those test?

Thank You!

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

By your description, you were at zero risk for HIV.  I agree exactly with both your partners.  And please search the threads for "HIV symptoms" and "ARS symptoms" read the uncountable times I have said that symptoms never are a reliable indicator for new HIV infection, especially someone at low risk.  Because you are at zero risk and didn't need testing at all it doesn't matter when you are tested.  Still 20 days is early.

1, 2) If despite my reassurance you remain concerned, get tested again 6-8 weeks after your last possible exposure.  Search the threads for "time to positive HIV test".

2) Zero.

3) Has a health care provider diagnosed enlarged lymph nodes?  If not, you probably don't have it. There are lots of things in the armpits that can cause pain other than abnormal lymph nodes.

4) Urine test for what?  You don't provide enough information for me to predict what any particular STD tests might show.

HHH, MD

[xray2005]

its being 3 mths since the test. No Dr. had said that i have swollen nodes under my armpits its just that i being checking myself and when i touch them they feel tender. i had urine test to check for any infection and blood test to check for herpes. My question was that if it will show something of those test maybe an unbalanced something that may indicate something else. thank you again.

[skerdstraght68]

Doc I believe he said his situation was "UN" protected so there is "Some" risk?  

Doc, when you say 6-8 weeks, are you saying that a test at 6 is about the same as 8 or that 6 is the baseline and not as good as 8?  Mass seems to call a 6 week definitive unless one is under chemo-theropy or has an illness that builds up white blood cells (Which one would know about before testing).  Also, the test they refer to as being accurate at 6 week test is the modern "antibody" test which would be equivelent to a 3rd gen Elisa which are antigen sandwich assays. (Not a p24/Antibody test - 4th gen).  I think some of us get scared when you say 6-8 because we think our 6 week missed the call.  

Other resources that adapt the 6 week mark.

http://www.aegis.com/askdoc/ASKD040318.html

http://experts.about.com/q/Immunology-including-AIDS-973/ELiSA-6-Weeks.htm

http://www.hopkins-aids.edu/publications/book/03MMHIV1to3.pdf
(page 7)

[skerdstraght68]

BTW, I thought I had an enlarged lymph and my doc told me I didnt. So the doc is correct that you can't diagnose yourself.

[westsider]

Hey Skerd,

I have seen you post alot of good info on here.  Just wanted to say thanks for the added input as it really does help alot of people on here.  I posted on here back in June and Dr HHH really helped put me at ease.  I think its great when other posters help out when they can.  Just wanted to give you a shout of thanks.

[Hopefulforhelp]

Just gotta ask, Planned Parenthood says the tests they use (Oraquick 1/2 via blood) are accurate if done in 20-25 days. My assumption is if your positive, you'll likely show up by then, yet a definitive negative is not until 6-8 weeks. Or is it 3 months? I've now developed minor (and I do mean minor) mouth sores, as well as a few other things... which I wont bother carrying on about as I know symptoms are a horrible indicator. Besides, I do agree with MonkeyFlower that I need to put the microscope away! Step away from the clingwrap when kissing, LOL!

FYI friendship is still there yet the relationship didn't work out... as I'm obvioulsy too paraniod of the risks. You two are awesome! Thank you! Be safe!

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

I'm not going to keep repeating the identical information I have posted uncountable times.  Search the threads for "time to positive HIV test" for extended discussion.

HHH, MD

[skerdstraght68]

http://experts.about.com/q/Immunology-including-AIDS-973/u.htm

http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/SideEffects/Archive/Testing/Q142661.html

A couple more findings..