testing????????

[ocean789]

I was wondering is 13 week HIV antibody test considered conclusive for all HIV exposures?
I have read that heath care workers test out to 6 months after an exposure. Does it take longer for antibodies to build up after a needle *****? Are the test still accurate at 6 weeks and 13 weeks in a needle *****, and the 6 month test is just precaution?
Have you ever known of a person that tested neg at 8 or 13 weeks after needle ***** then test positive?

[Willl]

That could be related to them often taking PEP after the exposure. Or maybe it is just the old standard 6 month that has not been updated. I am not sure.

[Xhost]

Scared,

I am sorry you are worried still about HIV. A needle stick! That must have been horrible. I've done a fair amount of reading on the subject, here and elsewhere, and everything I've read indicates you are good to go! That's the good news.

It seems to me your task right now is not to determine how and when to get tested again. You're real task is accepting the fact that you are not infected with HIV. Your tests appear to be conclusive. Now, you just need to accept that fact. Concentrate on that, not testing.

Believe me, I know how hard that can be. You've lived with the fear for 3 long months (I think, based on what you've written). As much as you believe that you just want this all to be over, it can be hard to let go of something you've held on to for that long, no matter how unpleasant. Ever heard the old saying that if you do something for 21 days it becomes ingrained habit? I believe that. And I also believe that anxiety and fear, especially those who are predisposed to them naturally, can become a habit that is as hard to break as any other bad habit. And that, in your case, is what it is: a bad habit.

You are quite lucky, you know. There are plenty of people who post and lurk on this forum who are sweating out the months, weeks or days until they can take a 12 week HIV test to end (hopefully) their worries. You have all the assurance you need in the form of your conclusive negative HIV test. Now, take it and try to get on with your life. Easier said than done, I know. If you can't seem to do it on your own, consider speaking to a therapist. Therapy can help you distinguish between valid and irrational fears. And the idea that you still may have HIV is not a valid fear.

I'll end this by saying congratulations! You're in the clear!

[Brian123]

The CDC purposely needs to state a maximum of 6 months for a reason. (If in doubt you may contact them @ 1-800-342-AIDS).  

The reason that they need to state 6 months is because they need to cover EVERYONE in the United States (and affiliated provinces/territories/etc.)
Remember, they need to cover EVERYONE, this means that most minute person in the country...even the one person out of millions that seroconverts @ 6 months or possibly later (mostly due to some other condition that caused their delay in seroconversion: e.g.: another immune disorder such as lupus or JRA, cancer, bone marrow transplant, etc.)  These persons are EXTREMELY RARE!!!!  

Since the onset of HIV/AIDS in the early 80's...HIV testing has come a LONG way.
Back then it was 6 months...now...99% of infected individuals can be accurately diagnosed with HIV by 6- 8 weeks. The latest being 3 months...unless your physical health was already jeopardized (as I stated above) by a pre-existing medical condition that affects your immune system.

The chance you fit this scenario is as much as me waking up as a woman tomorrow and driving to work in a Mercedes.  (just an added joke   :)  )


Your fine. PLEASE let it go.
Brian