Testing Question

[John 245]

In Nov 2004 I slept with a sex worker. 25 days later I went took a HIV test which came back negative. I really did not worry about it much because I used a condom and was pretty confident it did not break. This past Sept I started to wonder what if the condom broke and realized I had not tested after 3 months. I started to panic. I also started to develop symptoms which were consistent with HIV. I felt warm all the time, I would sweat at night although not profusely, I had a white tongue, fatigue. I went to a free clinic about a month ago where I had the Oraquck Advance test where you swab your gums. This came back negative. I was quite relieved until I read on the Orasure website you should not swab your inner cheek with the applicator. I had done this and continued to freak out thinking the test had been done incorrectly. I called the woman at the clinic twice to ask her if it was done wrong. She assured me this would not have affected the test and to put it out of my head. I then called a person at Orasure to ask about this and they informed me it was not a problem. Yesterday I had continued to feel constantly warm and hot at night and developed a cold. I paniced and called Orasure again. This time I spoke to a woman who told me I did not do the test properly and I should inform the clinic of that. I went back to the clinic and had to beg the woman to re-test me. She did not want to at first telling me I should get a blood test because I do not trust this method. She finally gave in and re-tested me and it came back negative. However I am worried she did not perform the test properly. You are supposed to swab once around your gums and she only swabbed my gums halfway. I called Orasure this morning and a woman said the result would be inconclusive if not enough cells were picked up and that my test is reliable. My question is am I worrying over nothing? Should I trust the tests I have had? Or should I get a blood test? My family is fed up with me. Thanks for your advice
Reply to This Message | Ignore John245 | More Posts by John245

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

The sexual episode you describe was safe and almost certainly could not have been a source of HIV.  You have had multiple negative HIV tests.  The tests you have had aree reliable.  You don't have HIV.

It sounds to me like your family has every right to be fed up with you.  Your obsession with HIV sounds quite irrrational.  If you can't shake your unreasoned fear about HIV infection, ask your health care provider about the possible need for referral to a mental health professional.  I suggest it out of compassion, not criticism.

Good luck--  HHH, MD

[Confused_again]

You are over worrying..First, your risk was very very low since you used latex condom and the condom didn't break. Second, the chances of getting HIV from a one time encounter is low, and you don't even know if she had HIV to begin with. Third, you tested twice and it came back NEGATIVE. The tests were performed properly and you don't have to worry.
Stop thinking of HIV and move on with your life..You're fine.

[John 245]

Do you think the woman at the clinic performed the test wrong the second time because she didn't want to get in trouble if it came back positive? The first time I took it she told me it didnt matter if I swabbed my cheeks. She also kept telling me that if I need to to get a blood test. Why would she say that? Because I kept calling her? I keep hearing if the test was not done properly it would have come back inconclusive.

[Confused_again]

No I don't think so. I'm sure she's done the tests many times and she's qualified to do that. Your fears seem to be irrational. Don't exhaust yourself with all the weird scenarios and move on to better things..Accept the fact that your negative and good luck to you..

[John 245]

Thanks for your reply doctor. Do you think I should get a blood test and do you think the Oraquick oral tests were administered correctly?

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

The very fact you feel a need to ask this additional question reinforces the closing comment in my initial reply.  Your concerns about HIV risk and test reliability are irrational.  You didn't need testing to begin with, and you certainly don't need any more testing.  This is my last reply on this thread.

HHH, MD