testing confirmation

Hello Dr. H from the east side of the mountains,

I just have a couple of questions. I want to move on with this and just wanted your opinion.

I have 5 minutes on unprotected vaginal/penis sex, no ejact 10 weeks ago. I did not know the guys statsus, so I asked, he said he was clean, but was not HIV specific. Thought it was my problem now, so I went to the health clinc 5 weeks later, oral swab and it came back negative. The I was reading on the internet (dumb idea) and it stated 5 weeks was not definative, so I then called the health clinic back, they told me I couldnt come back till the 12th week. My anxiety kicked in since I got back together with my great boyfriend, and feared since one time we had oral sex (he performed on me) and one time vaginal (condom broke, split in half) and he then came dame with a cold so I paniced!!

Here is my testing results so far, do you suggest one more test at 12 weeks? In your experience, do you believe Home Access is a relaible source?

5 weeks- oral swab negative
7 weeks- Home access blood sample- negative
10 weeks- Home Access blood sample- negative

Is is also true the reason why most people will show up in under 8 weeks is if only them are under chemo, taking steroids or a recent organ recipient that takes 12 weeks? If I am none of those things, is 10 weeks using Home Access okay, or is one more test at 12 weeks needed to be conclusive!

Thank you so much for all the work you do, you make it easy for us freaks to sleep at night!

[Edward W Hook, MD]

You're out of the woods and do not need further testing.  The recommendations for 12 week testing errs far on the side of caution.  85-90% of tests that are going to be positive would be positive by 4 weeks, and over 98% by 8 weeks.  Your partner said he was clean and most (but admittedly not all) people tell the truth, particularly after the fact.  Finally, you had only a single exposure.  Taking all of this together, you were low risk before testing and with the results you have there is almost no chance that you are infected.  For my money you do not need further testing and can proceed with your current relationship.  

The oral swab tests and Home Access tests are both good tests.

Again, bottom line--you are OK and need not worry.

Hope this helps.  EWH

[baygrl111]

Thank you so much. Theren is so much debate over the 12 week period. I just thought it was possible i would fall into that 2% and I can put my boyfriend at risk, I would never want to hurt anyone, especially him since he is wonderful and I made a terrible mistake being with the other guy before my BF and I got back together. I even looked on the site before I asked a question and there is a so-called "expert" in the support forum who claims no test no matter what can be conclusive before 3 months, so panic sets it. I will take your advice since you are a doctor and enjoy the holidays. It has been a difficult time, guess when you love someone you think of all the "what ifs". Thanks for your advice and saving me some money, after all this testing I could have bought some nice gifts!

[RB888]

You did buy a nice gift - peace of mind.

RB