Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Can I Trust My HIV Test Results?

Hello, I have a few questions regarding HIV testing accuracy. I had a high-risk exposure on March 5 of 2017. I tested negative 4 weeks post exposure with a rapid finger test given at a local clinic. The same test at the same clinic yielded a negative result 10.5 weeks post exposure. I was told to go back aftee that for a final 12-week test, but the lady who administered the tests retired, so the clinic stopped offering the service for free. I trusted that the results were accurate since I was so close to the cutoff date and was only 22 at the time. Did I make a mistake? I remember the results coming back abnormally quickly the last time I took it (and I think it happened twice). Should that be a cause for concern?

In any case, I have not had unprotected sex since then. I took an Oraquick at the beginning of October 2019 and got a negative result. I cannot remember if I ate or drank 30 minutes before the test. It seems unlikely that I did, but assuming that were the case, would this invalidate my negative result? Should I buy another one?

Thanks!
1 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
3191940 tn?1447268717
COMMUNITY LEADER
You have tested conclusively negative and you do NOT have HIV.  The time it takes to get results back says nothing about your status nor whether the test was performed properly or not.  10.5 weeks is definitely close enough, and your subsequent Oraquick test proves that you don't have HIV.

Please move on from this event.
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
Thank you!
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the HIV Prevention Community

Top HIV Answerers
366749 tn?1544695265
Karachi, Pakistan
370181 tn?1595629445
Arlington, WA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
Can I get HIV from surfaces, like toilet seats?
Can you get HIV from casual contact, like hugging?
Frequency of HIV testing depends on your risk.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may help prevent HIV infection.