Concerns and questions after taking an HIV test

[HIVquestions]

Over a month ago (on the 3rd March) i went to a same day clinic in London to test for HIV. The test i was given was a mix between an instant (30 second) test (negative) and one in which the results were returned in 4 hours (that was also negative). The results show that they tested for HIV 1 & 2 and did a P24 AG screen, all of which came back negative.

This was done as i had an unprotected encounter with another man roughly 2-3 weeks before getting tested.

i'm concerned that i wasn't told to get another test, having read reports on the internet that you should get a test after 3 months of sexual contact.

So does this mean i should get another test?

Since having this test, i have had oral sex with another man (receptive) unprotected - but he did not ejaculate in my mouth. Of course pre-*** could still have been present. Does this encounter also pose a risk? And if so, and assuming i should get re-tested, will that reset the 3 month countdown to me getting re-tested?

[Teak]

The UK guidelines for a conclusive test DUO or any other is 3 months post exposure.

[hardestthreemonths]

As you have posted the question, it shows you still have some anxiety. You should go back and get tested because you will totally forget about the whole thing once you have a conclusive result. From what the doctors here say, and from what your clinic says, your initial test was indeed highly accurate, so you can rely on the odds in your favor.

I tested negative at six weeks, and the Docs on this website would say the odds are extremely low for that test to be wrong.. Still, i will test  tomorrow at 9 weeks, because the anxiety persists and i still cant sleep.  If this test is clear, then i will be able to sleep again and stop looking for symptoms...

[HIVquestions]

Ok, i just phoned up the clinic, and they said that the DUO test i had taken (along with my rapid test) is accurate from 28days of testing. She said i'm welcome to come back to get re-tested this afternoon, but that the original test was done after 28 days, and is very accurate.

What are everyones thoughts? Should i go back as now it is past the 3 month stage? Or was the 28 day DUO test enough?

Thanks

[HIVquestions]

i think i'll go tomorrow for another test, as i've gone through the calander and can see that the encounter would have been mid january, so i think now is a good time to get re-tested to reassure my mind. I'll keep you posted, if you're interested.

[HIVquestions]

It's difficult not to search, as my worries are strong. Am i worrying disproportionately to the risk? i mean how more rest assured can i feel after the initial test i took in March?

[nursegirl6572]

If you had unprotected anal intercourse....then, yes, you will need to test out to 3 months post exposure for a conclusive result.

Just a friendly word of caution....INSIST on condom use EACH and every time you have anal sex (or vaginal for that matter, if you do)....these are risks not necessary to take!

Unfortunately, unprotected anal sex remains one of the higher risk activities, and while the "bottom" partner has a slightly higher risk, there is still a significant risk.

Take Care, and try not to search the internet too much, you'll drive yourself mad.

[HIVquestions]

Thanks Mitch,

So is the consensus that i ought to get tested around May? My unprotected sex was around January possibly February (bad memory of timings!).  

The woman who tested me said this test was 98% accurate, even when knowing when my at risk encounter was.

By the way, i was not the recipient (i was the top). i doubt that makes much difference in terms of risk, but thought it worth saying.

[Mitch82]

Yes, whilst your test is a good indication a 12 week test will rule out HIV conclusively, no your oral sex exposure is not considered a risk.  Test at 12 weeks so you can put this all behind you and stay safe in future to avoid the stress.