Test Results at the 5 week mark

Dear Dr. H
  I was tested this Friday using the Oraquik swab. The test was conducted at the local student center and came back non-reactive. I sometimes get confused with the advice you give on other forums, but is it safe to assume that yes, I am in fact negative and do not need further testing in six weeks? The Nurse practioner strongly believes that I should come back in another six weeks for another test. Do you think I would seroconvert to a positive test in another six weeks? I know you get this question alot, but just add another annoying question to the books.
    Your friend. S.C.R.E.A.M

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Almost all people who catch HIV will have a positive test result within 5 weeks.  I don't recall your original question and didn't go back to look, but I think you had a very low risk exposure.  If you assume one chance in 10,000 you caught HIV, then multiply that by a 99% chance the 5-week test is accurate (i.e., 1% chance it missed an infection), then the risk you actually have HIV is 1 in a million.  Another test 6 weeks from now will lower the odds you have HIV to 1 in 10 million.  If you will sleep better at 1 in 10 million compared to "only" 1 in a million, it's fine with me if you get retested.  But personally, I think getting tested again probably is just a waste of money.

Best wishes--    HHH, MD

[LoneRanger]

Look at this way: If the nurse is wrong and you get tested without needing to, you lost an hour and a few bucks. If the doctor on here is too optimistic and you don't get tested again cause he tells you you don't need it, and you win the HIV lottery without knowing it, you lost a lot more. So just playing the odds, you should follow the nurse's advice, you have nothing to lose.

[S.C.R.E.A.M]

I think I will take the advice of the nurse and go back for a second check up. It just scares me though. Thank you for your comment.

[scared511]

A related discussion, my test came back reactive but the nures said she has had many cases where that has happend is there a chance i'm fine? was started.