12 Weeks & Clear?

[JE84]

Hi everyone, I wanted to provide an update on my situation and also ask a couple of questions. I am currently approaching the end of the window period (last possible exposure beginning of July), and have like all of us here have been experiencing massive lows and anxiety while trying to live day-to-day as best one can, juggling work, social commitments etc. I had a lot of tests in the immediate aftermath of possible exposure including antibody and antigen tests, out to 6.5 weeks - all negative. The advice I received from doctors led me to believe that although encouraging, these results were not conclusive. Say we discount these results - for argument's sake they were taken too early - I have since had a DNA PCR test (9.5 weeks); and another antibody test (12 weeks) - also negative. This all seems promising, right?

The concern I have is that, despite these results, my symptoms persist. Most noticeably, lymph glands are present and there is a light / transient but tangible rash (which appears to be getting worse) affecting my neck, chest, face and back. With reference to HIV, it seems the only symptom I have not yet had is "fever", which I understand is a hallmark manifestation, along with rash. I have seen a number of GPs as well as specialists in the field of immunology and dermatology - who are frankly all pretty stumped following negative results on pretty much every conceivable test - mono; EB; glandular fever; chest x-ray; hep; all the other STDs. The only thing I have been diagnosed with is vasculitis (which prompted the doctor to do the PCR test - apparently this is an uncommon but not unheard of indicator of possible HIV infection).

So my questions are as follows:

1) Objectively speaking, how conclusive are these tests?
2) Given the continuing symptoms, should I continue to test? Despite doctor's medical opinion that I am clear, I feel that we have not yet got to the root of the problem and clearly I do not want to compromise anyone else - not that I would have unprotected sex of course
3) Any ideas what else could be causing these symptoms?

If it is any comfort at all to those reading this, I have had pretty much every symptom that you read about on the internet and yet, if results are to be considered conclusive, I am HIV negative. If and when I get to the bottom of this I will post again to let you know what is causing the problems.

[JE84]

Noted. I heard that this kind of test is also used to confirm parenthood in cases where it is uncertain who the father is. Presumably the main reason that the PCR test is not used as a diagnostic tool for HIV is that the margin for error is unacceptable in such an important context. I just find it hard to believe after so long there is no reliable "other way".

If symptoms persist/worsten without diagnosis I guess it makes sense to have another antibody test in a month or so?

Thanks for your input

[Teak]

The only time a PCR-DNA test is approved to help diagnose HIV is for an infant that is born to an infected mother up to 15 months. Yes it was a scam to get your money. Had you got a false positive you would have been freaking out. PCR-DNA tests have a problem with distinguishing between HIV and other infections. PCR-DNA test are used to monitor the progression of HIV in KNOWN persons that are infected with HIV.

[JE84]

A lot. Are you saying that PCR DNA tests are employed as diagnostic tools purely to scam people who think they may have contracted HIV out of their hard earned?

[Teak]

Why, besides ignorance, think about it. What did it cost you?

[JE84]

Thanks Teak. I noticed previous discussions on the subject of DNA PCR tests and your stance on this. One of the specialists I saw felt that the negative DNA PCR test at 9 weeks was conclusive, although I decided to follow this up with an antibody test anyway. The question I have is why DNA PCR tests are being used as diagnostic tools if indeed they are not supposed to be used as such. And why is it that some doctors clearly place trust in these tests as diagnostic tools if they are not reliable. There is little information on the subject of false negatives in PCR testing and the doctors on internet forums seem reluctant to say outright "these tests work" - although they may be prepared to admit this in a private consultation. I'd like to add that the doctors I have seen are perceived to be amongst the best in their field(s) and I have no reason to doubt their opinions. If what you say is accurate - and I know you are a respected source of information on this forum - is it fair to say that the only way to know for sure is to have the antibody test at 3 months?

[Teak]

Antigen tests are only good from week 1- apx. 4 week post exposure. PCR-DNA tests are not diagnostic. Your negative antibody test at 12 post exposure is conclusive.