Another testing question

[jgirl4356]

Hi, I have seen many different time frames on when to get an hiv test done.  I have always heard 6 months, but on the internet it often says 3 months and on these forums 6 weeks......I had unprotected sex 4 months ago.  I am pregnant and very scared for fear of passing it to the baby.  My fears are preventing me from getting the test and I keep making up excuses to not get it done like "it's too early to tell" and stupid stuff like that.  So, my first question is
1. How early can a hiv test be done after unprotected sex?   and
2. I had a CBC done with a WBC count of 7.10, in the normal range......is it possible to have a normal WBC count and still be positive for the virus?

Thank you, I am so worried and really don't know anything about hiv other than the sypmtoms sound like every other illness out there in the world.

[ExtremeStress]

Glad to see you are choosing to test. Good luck and congratulations on the baby.

[jgirl4356]

Thank you for answering.  I will get the test done.

[regularjoey]

I don't really understand Teak's comment ("6 weeks is the earliest you can test").  You can test whenever you want.  But the longer you wait the more reliable the test result is, as you probably understand yourself.  These days the CDC recommendation is to test 3 months after the suspected exposure, but if the test is taken somewhat earlier it still gives valid information.  Most infected people will test positive at 3 weeks already, and the vast majority will test positive by the end of the first month.  That is why you see the 6 week recommendation, as more and more doctors consider a test taken after 6 weeks to be conclusive.  But the 6-week rule does not even concern you anyway, as you are way beyond that point now.  If you take a test today it will be absolutely reliable, you don't need to wait 6 months, 4 months is more than ample time.

All pregnant women automatically get tested for HIV as part of their check-ups, but there may be a consent form, which I am not sure about.  If you fear passing HIV to your baby you definitely should get it done, that is precisely the reason pregnant women get tested, so that they do not pass it to their babies, OK?  It's a responsible thing to do.  As far as your chances of having HIV, they are very small and you should not worry about it.  

[Teak]

1. 6 weeks is the earliest you can test. Which if you are being followed by an OBGYN, you will be tested all through your pregnancy.
2. Yes