Antibody Test at 54 days

[theoiskunks]

Hi Doctor,

I had an antibody test conducted at 54 days (few days short of 8 weeks) after receiving risky unprotected oral sex and I was wondering how accurate the results will be. I do realize that the official recommendation is 3 months and that less time is somewhat of a guessing game, but I was wondering 1) how sure I can be of the result and 2) whether further testing is needed.

Thank you Doctor

[theoiskunks]

Thank you Doctor

[Edward W Hook, MD]

No, I would still consider it conclusive for your situation.  EWH

[theoiskunks]

Thanks so much for your quick response Doctor. My test was just short of 8 weeks, at 54 days rather than 59. Does this change anything? Thank you again

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to the Forum.  From a medical perspective, there was no reason to test in the first place. there are no instances in which a person has been shown to have acquired HIV from receipt of oral sex.  I am quite comfortable in telling you that you are not going to be the first.

Thus, with respect to testing, there was no need to test in the first place.  If you were at risk and had acquired HIV however, your test at 59 days was conclusive, as are all tests performed more than 8 weeks after exposure.  The recommendation to need to wait until 12 weeks for definitive results is long out of date.  

I see no need for further testing.  I hope this comment is helpful to you. EWH