Aa
6 week negative (4th generation)
Hi, I am a 36 year old guy. 8 weeks ago I had unprotected vaginal sex and ejaculated inside a 21 year old British Pakistani escort. After 15 days I got a headache (1day), with a bitter taste in mouth (present). I did not present with a fever, sore throat, rash etc... I tested negative at 6 weeks (41 days) with a 3rd generation Insti test (Finger prick) and 4th generation combo test (Venous). I was told the test is 96-99% accurate between 4-6 weeks and 8 weeks is considered conclusive by UK guidelines. 1) Was my risk high, considering I had a natural 65% protection through circumcision from birth? 2) Are the symptoms described related to ARS? can they persist for 8 weeks? 3) Is my negative 6 weeks result likely to change?
Thank you for your input, the UK guidelines consider a 4th generation combo test conclusive after 4 weeks and antibody only tests conclusive at 8 weeks
The P24 antigen will peak at around 28 days at which point antibodies will start to appear and lock on to the antigens. At this point the antibodies will increase and antigens will decrease. However, they will stay at high levels for a further 2 months before completly disappearing
Therefore, there is very little chance the antigens and/or antibodies will be missed by a 4th generation combo test
The P24 antigen will peak at around 28 days at which point antibodies will start to appear and lock on to the antigens. At this point the antibodies will increase and antigens will decrease. However, they will stay at high levels for a further 2 months before completly disappearing
Therefore, there is very little chance the antigens and/or antibodies will be missed by a 4th generation combo test
The 4th generation DUO test looks for both antigens (a protein called P24) and antibodies. P24 is detectable immediately after infection and only for the first couple of weeks. As P24 starts decreasing, the production of antibodies starts increasing. The antibody-portion of the test has a window period of 4-12 weeks. Most HIV specialists consider this test conclusive at 6-weeks, however, official HIV testing guidelines still recommend re-testing at 12 weeks for completely conclusive results.
That being said, receiving a negative result at 6 weeks is a good indicator that your test at 12 weeks will be the same as long as you have not engaged in high risk activities since that time.
I strongly suggest you re-test at the 3 month period for completely conclusive results.
I am going by US/FDA guidelines. I don't know which guidelines the UK follows.
Always use condoms............play safe.
That being said, receiving a negative result at 6 weeks is a good indicator that your test at 12 weeks will be the same as long as you have not engaged in high risk activities since that time.
I strongly suggest you re-test at the 3 month period for completely conclusive results.
I am going by US/FDA guidelines. I don't know which guidelines the UK follows.
Always use condoms............play safe.
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