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False Positive Mono/HIV tests

Hi,

About 5 weeks ago I had an unprotected heterosexual encounter with a woman with unknown HIV status. At 5 weeks I developed symptoms of swollen lymph nodes, swollen spleen, and mild fever. I tested for HIV with a rapid HIV test at 5 weeks and it came back negative. Two days later I was still not feeling well so I went to the doctor and I tested positive for Mono. I know I probably still shouldn't be worried about HIV, but is it possible that HIV caused the positive mono test even though the HIV was not yet detectable with the rapid test?
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370181 tn?1595629445
I have not heard of this happening.
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Avatar universal
When I say caused the positive mono test, I mean caused a false positive for the mono spot test. Have you or anyone else heard if this is possible?

Thanks
Helpful - 0
370181 tn?1595629445
There is no reason to suspect HIV caused the mono.

The rapid test that you had looks for antibodies generated by your body against HIV. The antibodies generally are detectable within 3-4 weeks. About 95% of HIV infections will show in the rapid test within 4-6 weeks. Therefore, your test at 5 weeks was a STRONG indication that you are HIV negative. However, for the test to be considered "conclusive", it needs to be done after 12 weeks post exposure (3 months). This is going by the more conservative standards of the World Health Organization. Therefore, just to be safe I recommend another test at 12 weeks, although I wouldn't worry since most likely you are HIV negative.
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