Need your advice

[baygrl111]

Hi there Doc. First, thank you for giving people a peice of mind, and after reading many threads, i decided to ask my question.

Here goes nothing, I was dating someone, and in the end things didn't work out. I found out he lied about many things, so this is why I am concerned. I am pretty sure he is not or ever an IV drug user or with a man in the past.We usually used condoms, but one time we had vaginal sex for about 5 minutes, which he did not finish.  I found out he was cheating on me, so at day 34 after the unprotected time we were together, I got a HIV test at the health department (It was the oral swab type) and it came back negative. I noticed that all over it says you should wait to atleast 6 weeks, so I was curious if you recommend another test at 6-8 weeks just to be sure? Are those test reliable as well, since it was only at 34 days, maybe blood test would have detected earlier. Also, I have had no flu like symptoms.

Thanks for all you do to help others. Just wanted your thoughts to see if I should move on or take another test.

Thanks!

[baygrl111]

Hi there- at 7 weeks I took the Home access test. It came back negative- would you say this is conclusive? The consultant on the phone said I could consider a 12 week test, but from your previous advice, what do you think. Is Home access reliable with the 2nd generation testing? There is a blood drive at work in 2 weeks, I wouldnt want to hurt anyone by donating. Thanks again for everything!

[baygrl111]

One last thing, what do they mean when they ask at the clinic, "has this been a single incident?" I am confused since they said if there was more than one possibly incident since the lasst time, the test can be inacurate. Does that mean the possiblity due to other infections that can throw off a test result? Thannks again!

[baygrl111]

Thanks again Doctor, I think the way to put this behind me is get a at home test at 8 weeks, and then make a follow up check up with my gyno for STDs, how long should you wait for those?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

The oral tests are good tests and are sufficient.  In general 6-8 weeks is plenty although the conservative recommendation to "be sure" is 12 weeks.  One test is sufficient for you.  EWH

[baygrl111]

Thank you for your response. I just want to make sure I understand you correctly.

Do you think that the oral swab test is not sufficent testing? I should plan on getting a blood test, that must be more accurate. You recommended 6-8 weeks, but then you also suggested 12, should I take 2 tests?

Thanks again for all your good work!

[Edward W Hook, MD]

I'm sorry to hear about your experience.  Considering the information you've given me, I do not think you are in danger.  A single unprotected exposure is associated with a less than 1 in 1000 risk of acquiring HIV, if he was infected (and that too sounds unlikely).  In general, we generally suggest waiting 6-8 weeks following exposure before getting the HIV blood test.  I don't think you need another test becasue your risk is low but if you are still worried at 6-8 or even 12 weeks, you could get another test at that time.

By the way, you mentioned the HIV test at the health department.  If your partner was having other partners, i would also suggest a test for other STDs ( gonorrhea,, chlamydia, etc) as well, just to be sure.  I suspect these too will be negative but it sounds as like being tested will help you to put this unfortunate episode behind you.

Hope this helps.  EWH