Question about 5 weeks vs 6 weeks test results

[Babygirl2002]

I am a female. I had unprotected vaginal intercourse in 6/24/08. I took the Home Access Test 5 weeks and one day past exposure. The result was negative. I found out on this site that it recommend 6 weeks test. My mind says that I am okay and I don't have to test anymore. I would like to know if the result would change since I took the test 6 days earlier and can I stop worry now.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Not knowing (or needing to know) the circumstances or your exposure, I can tell you that at 4 weeks following an exposure, 85-90% of HIV tests that are going to be positive will be.  By 6 weeks the figure increases to about 95% and, as you would imagine, at 5 weeks the figure is somewhere in between.  Following a single exposure the chance of infection, even if the partner did have HIV (something that is also statistically unlikely, no matter whom the partner was) is only 1 in 1000.  Putting these facts together, most people should be comfortable after a 4 (or in your case 5) week test but that is a personal decision reflecting your risk tolerance.  I suspect that if you feel that if you feel you need no more testing, you are correct.  I hope this helps.  EWH

[Babygirl2002]

Thanks for your response. This was my first time having unprotected sex. This was a single exposure.