Early Tests - Reliability

[thisisit08]

I know this is probably (and hopefuly) just an anxiety driven question. I had an encounter with a CSW on May 10th which only involved touching, kissing and very brief protected oral sex (She was giving it to me). There was no vaginal nor anal penetration whatsoever. I know this supposedly carries absolutely no risk at all but since I am such a nervewreck I would like to get some peace of mind through an HIV test.

Assuming there was some kind of risk involved in that (I know it is very unlikely or even inexistent), I would like to know when it is the earliest I could test. I know the recommended guidelines state that the time to get a conclusive test is 3 months after exposure. I am suffering from severe anxiety lately and I have experienced several HIV like symptoms (gastroenteritis two weeks after the encounter, sore throat 5 weeks, muscle pain) so I really want to put this to rest and finally move on. Could I test right now to get a reasonably reliable test? Is it too soon?

[johnd30]

thanks Teak.

[Teak]

PCR-DNA tests are not approved for diagnostic use they are monitoring tests for people that are positive to follow their progression. Don't be posting incorrect information on this forum.

[johnd30]

thanks Teak. I know he does not nned anything. But Doctors said PCR-DNA test is pretty accurate. Anyway, I belive in you more than doctors cause of your exepertise.

I really appreciate your comment

[Teak]

The poster doesn't need HIV test nor is a PCR test reliable at 28 days.

[johnd30]

Do HIV PCR test. It is 99% reliable 28 days after  exposure.

[LIZZIE LOU]

YOU'VE BEEN ON THIS FORUM FOR 7 MONTHS.  ENOUGH IS ENOUGH...YOU SHOULD KNOW THE ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS BY NOW.

[thisisit08]

Hello Vance 2335,
Thank you again. I understand HIV tests become conclusive ONLY 3 months after exposure. Thus I was not expecting you to answer that any test taken before that time could be 100% reliable. However, it is good to know that 6-8 weeks tests provide a good indication about one´s HIV status. Since my anxiety is in full force these days, I think I´ll just wait two more weeks and take a test at that mark. Even though it is not conclusive, I think It will provide great relief and it will allow me to move on.

Thank you again.

[Vance2335]

I understand what you are saying, your not understanding what I am saying.

You had no risk. If you did have a risk the only time to obtain a conclusive result is 3 months. I am not going to tell you false info. 3 months is conclusive any thing before that is not going to give you a conclusive result. 6-8 weeks is a good indication but not conclusive. But again...NO RISK.

See a therapist to help you deal with anxiety.

[thisisit08]

Thank you for your answer.

I know my point is kind of difficult to understand. I know the facts about HIV and HIV testing. However, for reasons I cannot explain (anxiety) I am simply unable to take them as true and act accordingly (stop worrying about it).

Since that is how my mind unfortunately works, I think the only way to get some peace of mind is to get an HIV test to get what I expect is a negative result. However, since I´ve been experiencing a wide range of symptoms, my anxiety is literaly driving me insane and I just can´t wait until the 3 month mark, I would like to know if I could test right now and if that test, assuming there was a risk, is reliable enough to take it as correct.
It´s been a little longer than 5 weeks since the alleged exposure. What are the odds of a 5 week negative test becoming a positive one later on?

I appreciate your time and I know I might be

[Vance2335]

I don't know what you want us to tell you. You had no risk and if you had a risk then 3 months is conclusive. Are you looking for me to say test after 3 weeks and it is ok? Because I will not because it is not the right answer...no risk no need to test.