Testing Question

[Erock123]

Doctors,

I tried to post this brief follow-up in my original question, but it wasn't letting me.

I tested negative today with Clearview Statpak. My most recent possible exposure was sometime late August, perhaps very early September, and it was insertive oral sex, mutual masturbation, and frottage (I don't think I penetrated him at all, and if I did, it was so minimal it is probably in my imagination).

Do I need to test anymore at this time? My current boyfriend and I have been together for a while now, and I don't want to risk anything with him. I could always get another test in a month I suppose, but I truly value your advice and knowledge.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Clearview is a rapid HIV antibody blood test.  Like all antibody blood tests for HIV, it is fully accurate any time more than 6-8 weeks after the last possible exposure.  Therefore, your current test, a little over 2 months since your last exposure, is definitive.  (I will also add that you had a zero risk exposure, even if your late August partner had HIV.  The virus is rarely if ever transmitted by oral sex.

In one of your earlier threads, I gave you a link to a discussion about test performance and reliability and various times after the last HIV exposure.  Below I have provided it once again, as well as a link to another thread that provides even more detail:

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/1704700
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/1891685

So you can move on without worry, and without any further testing, and should not be at all concerned about transmitting HIV to your new partner.

I hope this has helped.  However, I need to remind you of a MedHelp rule that allows a maximum of 2 questions every 6 months on each of the professionally moderated forums.  Admittedly, it's not so obvious, but it's there under Terms and Conditions presented to all new forum users and before posting new questions.  The purpose is to prevent domination of the forum by a few users (often with repetative, anxiety-driven questions).  This being your third question since May, you should plan on holding off on new ones for another year or so.  (I don't want you risk a nonrefundable fee on a question that might be deleted without reply!).

Best wishes--  HHH, MD

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Thanks for the thanks; I'm glad to have helped.  Take care and stay safe.

[Erock123]

Thanks again, Doctor. I was concerned primarily because I came down with a bit of a cold yesterday, and even though my test was done sufficiently long after my last two exposures which only involved oral sex without ejaculation, I was a bit nervous.

I'm sure you get a lot of nervous, anxiety-ridden questions. Nonetheless, you do great work, and thanks for the prompt response.

Best wishes

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

There are no medications that have any effect on HIV test reliability, except maybe potent cancer chemotherapy or high dose immune suppressing drugs.  Advair definitely has no effect.

[Erock123]

Hi Doctor,

Last question, and I apologize for not asking in my previous question. I determined that the length of time from my most recent possible exposures was 9+ and 11+ weeks prior to my test. My question is this:

I take Advair for asthma, once per day only. Would this delay the production of antibodies and require an additional test? I am unsure of what medications can delay the production of antibodies and thus make my most recent test at 9+ weeks unreliable and less accurate.

Thanks for your time. I won't be asking anymore questions.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

I'm glad to have helped.  Best wishes and stay safe!

[Erock123]

Thanks so much for the response. I waited until today to hit the 6-month mark, just to be mindful of the restrictions.

Thanks again, you've really helped put my mind at ease.