HIV test and the 'window' time

[nead_2]

I had a low risk HIV exposure (after receiving anal oral sex) from a man who turned out to be very promiscous. I tested negative after 6 weeks and again 31 days later (~10 weeks). I believed that was sufficient, HOWEVER, the HIV counselor was adamant about the window time being 90 days minimum (and to be absolutely sure I must test again at 6 months) and said that I was still too soon in the "window" period. Now I am confused (and somewhat concerned) since I thought the new 'window' was actually 6 weeks or more. Can you clear this up for me? Are the two negative tests, 6 weeks and 10 weeks, enough or should I test yet again?
PS, what is the risk of getting syphilis from receiving oral anal sex?
Thank you.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Your HIV counselor is behind the times.  Modern HIV blood tests can become positive as few as 10 days after infection and are positive in ~95% of infected persons within 3-4 weeks, reaching ~100% by 6 weeks.  (Please nobody hold me to precise numbers--but these are close.)  It is almost unheard of for a positive test result to be delayed 3 months and especially 6 months.  That was the story until a few years ago, but not now.

Your exposure was low risk for everything, certainly HIV and syphilis; in theory, herpes (due to HSV-1) might be the biggest chance, and even that's very low.

Good luck-- HHH, MD

[Islandguy]

HI,

Receiving Anal Oral or "Rimming" is theoretical.  Meaning, NO PROVEN CASES OF TRANSMISSION OF HIV!!!!  Get HIV out of your head.  But, I believe the Dr. will tell you that your risk is basically Nill for anything, Rare.  Here is a link that is a good one to look at for STD risk chart.  

http://www.dph.sf.ca.us/sfcityclinic/stdbasics/stdchart.asp

Hope this helps.

Good luck....

[nead_2]

Thank you for your help. After reading numerous other posts and your comments to the posts, I decided to obtain a full STD screen from my local health clinic. Knowledge is power and I believe it is better to know and then act on the knowledge than to fret and worry and develop anxiety related symptons.
You provide an invaluable service to all who read this web site.
Thanks again.

[nead_2]

UPDATE:
All of the test results were negative or non-reactive, HIV, Chlamydia, Syphilis and Gonorrhea. The health clinic still sticks with the 13 week HIV window though, but as you stated Doc, that is old school.
Phewww.....thanks for the advice to get tested.
However;
I also asked about the incubation period for syphilis and was told that it was also 12 to 13 weeks. Is this true? They also said that the Syhpilis blood test can tell if you have ever had a
a syphilis infection, even if it was cured with antibiotics. Is that true?
Hmmm....now I wonder....
I now recall being treated with AUGMENTIN 875 (I think for 7 days or so) for an ear infection in early January. I did not think anything of this but now I wonder if that could alter the test results in any way?
Your medical advice is appreciated.
Thank you.