Should I get Tested?

[Lance20123]

Last night I had sex with an escort and the condom broke midway through intercourse (we had stupidly used baby oil for foreplay).   I noticed the break immediately and pulled out and washed my penis off.  We openly discussed what happened and she continually reassured me that she gets tested regularly and is totally clean.  

I know the chances are very low of contacting HIV and have read on this forum that basically there is no reason for me to get tested.  My question is should I get tested and how soon?  

I am only mildly worried b/c I understand the chances are really slim that she was infected and the exposure was very limited, but I would still like a professional opinion.

Thanks!

Lance

[Lance20123]

Thanks for your response.  I understand the low risk and this eases my anxiety.
I am still going to get tested but I am contemplating getting tested at 6 weeks instead of doing the PCR. Given the low risk I think I can wait that long without going crazy.

Thanks again.

[goodfellas2001]

Also, if it makes you feel any better my doctor told me that you have better odds of winning the lottery and struck by lighting in the same day then you are to get HIV from a 1 time unprotected vaginal intercourse from a person of unknown status.

[goodfellas2001]

I understand your concerns and it is perfectly normal to have this worry.  I was in a similar situation and chose to get the PCR-RNA Ultra Q test with a reference range of 48 copies. The CDC says the testing window is about 9-11 days with this test.  But remember that this is not a diagnostic test and your results will not be considered conclusive except with a 12 week antibody test.  But this test will give you a good indication of your status. If your are going to get a PCR I suggest doing it at your doctors office and not through those online services.

[Teak]

PCR-DNA are not diagnostic tests, are not approved for diagnostic use. They are for use to monitor someone's progression that is HIV positive.

[Lance20123]

When I spoke with this testing company: http://www.advancedtestingcenter.com/_DNA+PCR+test, they told me that it was very conclusive and false positives were no longer an issue.  Are they just giving misinformation to make a profit? or is there legitimate debate?  I am going to go back for the Antibody test at 3 months but wanted some assurance prior to that.  I don't mind spending the money for testing if it is accurate but don't want to waste money either..

Also, Teak, do you feel as if my exposure warrants testing.  The testing agent reitterated the very low risk but obviously I am still anxious.  Any reassurance helps.

Thanks for your responses

[Teak]

PCR tests are not conclusive.

[Vance2335]

PCR is not approved for diagnostic purposes. It can give an early indication of HIV but an antibody test is the only test approved for diagnosis. And for a conclusive result that happens at 3 months not 6.

[Lance20123]

Thanks for the response.  I called a Testing Center and they reassured me that the risk was low.  I have scheduled a PCR test for two weeks from now.  It was more expensive but I am anxious and would like to move on.  They said the PCR test will prove conclusive but I may retest at 6 months for further reassurance.

Thanks again.

[Vance2335]

A test 6-8 weeks gives you a very good indication and a test at 3 months gives you a conclusive result.

It is your decision to test or not.