HIV early testing

Hello, I had a possibly high risk exposure to HIV and HSV2. I went to my dr and tested negative for HIV 1 & 2 antibodies with the siemens chemiluminometric immunoassay test and also negative for HSV 1 & 2. Although I tested negative I'm still very worried because it was only 8 weeks post exposure when the tests were done and I have read that sometimes antibodies take a long time to show up.
It also seems like I have some odd symptoms. In regards to HIV : pain in my armpits which started at 8 weeks, groin pain/tightness, the lymph nodes in my neck are swollen (but my dr says its sinus related). In regards to HSV2: anal  itching, redness and pain and a few cracks in the skin in my genital area that seem to come and go.
My question is are my test results accurate? ( I still plan to retest at 12 weeks). If so how accurate and why does the CDC have such a large window period? What do my symptoms mean.

[Mathata101]

We are in the same boat hun, the councelor who tested me said i should come 4 a retest in 6 weeks time, which wil b 14 weeks post exposure

[Teak]

3 months post exposure is when you can obtain your conclusive test result.

[flow1987]

If I had exposure myself, I would only test once more for HIV at 12 to 14 weeks weeks, to confirm the 8th week result. However, a negative for HIV at 8 weeks is pretty good news in itself, and I am very optimistic that your next test will be negative as well.

Yes, it's very well known around the internet that the anti-bodies for HIV take a long time to show up. However, there are usually no statistics included to give the person reassurance that this occurrence is regarded as quite rare. Let me quote a user's journal entry here on Medhelp:

"If a person has transmitted the virus, they will test [positive], actually quite rapidly (usually within 6 weeks of exposure)." - "HIV: The Facts", by nursegirl6572: http://www.medhelp.org/user_journals/show/88524/HIV-THE-FACTS

Regarding HSV, you should probably post a question on the Herpes forum regarding that. However, I can give you some insight to it here.

I've gone through a little HSV-2 experience myself, and I have found that false-positives are far more likely to occur than false negatives. In fact, I was misdiagnosed with genital herpes in May 2010. I paid out the butt for medication, until I found out I never even had it 4 months later.

When I had my HSV-2 testing done that concluded a negative result that 4 months following, my doctor said that a 6 week negative result was a conclusive result. She isn't your typical doctor, for she could have worked in internal medicine as a Diagnostician, but she chose to have a family practice instead.

By the way, I have had all of the symptoms you have listed here before, both of what you listed under what you suspected to be HIV and HSV. Itching, swelling, armpit pain, groin pain/tightness, I have had it all. Yet, I am not positive for HIV or HSV-2. I think anxiety might play a big factor in the symptoms you are experiencing, for I have quite awful anxiety myself.

[Mathata101]

Is it true that any person who has ars symptoms, will have detectable amount of hiv antibodies 2 - 4 weeks after appearance of symptoms. If yes, does it matter if a rapid test or lab test was used.

[Teak]

3 months post exposure is when you can obtain your conclusive test result.

[Faith5282]

Thanks for the reassuring information everybody. I guess I'll have to wait untill the 3 month mark.
...just wondering though (for peace of mind) does anybody know what the statistical percentage of accuracy of an 8 week negative test is? Has anybody ever actually tested positive after 12 weeks that was 8 weeks negative? I saw that fact sheet about delayed seroconversion and I dont have a weakend immune system or anything. But still I cant seem to stop worrying. I wish the CDC would change there window if 8 weeks is truly a good indicator.
Thanks again and sorry for the paranoia

[NickOne7]

does anybody know what the statistical percentage of accuracy of an 8 week negative test is?
8 weeks is a testing time where MANY experts have never seen a result change after this time. The guideline for the tests is still 3 months so that is what we need to go by until they update there studies and information. It is fairly costly for them to change the guidelines this is one of the reasons it is still 3 months

8 week test is VERY unlikely to change

[Faith5282]

Thanks for the response Nick. It makes me feel exponentially better to hear that medical professionals have never seen an 8 week negative turn positive. I'll still go in again at 3 months but at least I'll have confidence . This has been the most frightening ordeal of my life and I can't thank everybody enough for the answers, facts , and comments. Thanks so much an God bless.

[Faith5282]

As an update I went in for my 3 month test yesterday and am awaiting my results today. I plan to post an update of my results when I get them. Wish me luck :)

[RainLover71]

I,m sure you,ll be negative.All the best.

[Faith5282]

NEGATIVE!!!
Thank you everyone who has helped me out through this difficult time. I really appreciate all the answers to my many questions. This forum has truly  been a God send. May God bless you all :)

[su683]

how soon i can test for std, i mean after how many days can i go for std testing

[ricky_id]

We're HIV specific, for STD concerns you can visit STD forum here on MedHelp.

[RainLover71]

Congratulations on your negative result.Always practice safe sex and all the best to you in the future.

[Faith5282]

Thank you! Yes for sure. I've defiantly learned a lot through this experience. I'll never take a risk that puts me through that kind of stress again.