According to the latest CDC guidelines on HIV testing, with duo 4th generation test after 45 days you can be confident about your negative result to stop worrying. But always, always practice safer sex with using condoms consistently and correctly.
Link: https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/testing.html
Hello all, I wanted to stop in and give a brief update. First and foremost thank you for the advice and support. I ended up going back to my original gyn practice where they not only gave me the SAME facts you all presented, but also told me that while testing at six months is an option some take, they don't deem it necessary as the test I took is very reliable six weeks and beyond. I then called my GP for clarification and he explained that it's practice policy to suggest retesting at six months just in case someone new to the practice comes in without their past records. Basically, as you all stated, I was worrying way beyond perspective. I am in therapy, and I feel that in a few months I should be in a great place mentally. To all the people who may stumble across this post, read the US CDC guidelines in regards to AB/AG testing, trust your physicians, they aren't going to tell you things to please you, their answers are based on science not your comfort level, and always always take precautions in the future. The stress, guilt, and worry just aren't worth it. I will re-post in January with my results to reassure other worriers out there that these tests indeed don't change beyond six weeks. Thanks again! warmest regards, scaredsenseless =)
I'll add my two cents which is the same as everybody who has already responded. You are conclusively negative and nothing is going to change that status. Seeking some therapy now is your best option to keep this from turning into a seriously full blown phobia. Therapy and educating yourself about HIV and safe sex will definitely help your fears. We all wish you the best.
RW
Your result won't change. Your doc is probably being conservative or telling you what he learnt a few years back. Testing technologies have come a long way. I think you must accept your result and move on. I havent seen any 6 week negative turning otherwise in the last 11 years. You can't be the first one. It is time to move on bud.
4 Gen Duo is warranted at 28 days post exposure. After 28 days, when administered on a 4th gen duo - It's just a standard 3rd gen antibody test. The antigen part of the test is pretty much void as the body wouldn't produce any p24 ag at that juncture for detection.
However, a negative at 9 week is very indicative. I dont see the result changing ahead.
I would still like to know the exact window period of a 4thgen duo as of Sep. 2017
You are ok, and your doctor is right that it is time to move on. HIV is instantly inactivated in air which is why the only non-sex risk for an adult is sharing needles that you inject with, so you don't have to worry about your cuts from now on.