Home testing kits - negative at 6 & 12 weeks

[mr_mini_me]

Hi again, I took a hiv duo test using a home test kit (you take a finger prick sample of blood in a tube and post it to the lab) at 6 weeks and that was negative. I then took the same duo test at 12+ weeks and also tested negative.

I was wrong, I felt that all of my symptoms were linked to HIV and it seems they were not. Apologies for my insanity and for my anxiousness feeding into this forum. Somewhere within me I still don't think this is over... I was like 90% sure.

Do you think I need to test again with a regular antibody test at a sexual health clinic? Because I've read that sometimes the blood samples can be spoiled during transit (in the post) and that sometimes it's better to have a venous sample of blood because there's more of it. I'm worried that my immune system may be so bunged up/surpressed from a lack of eating that the tests couldn't pick up the antibodies or maybe I've got some immune system problem that prevents the antibodies showing up...?

Best regards,

[mr_mini_me]

Hi all, as you all foresaw, the additional lab-based venous test came back negative (>12 weeks, though I still have that nagging feeling of incorrect timelines! (though its been 3 tests now!)). I'm working with my GP to finding out the root causes of my other ailments as well as working with a counsellor to help me mentally & emotionally with all my said issues. I'd like to say that this is over, but I won't be able to do that on my own (I need mental help to work through things). This hasn't been an easy 2+ months and honestly, this place has been the only thing that has kept me sane/slightly less frantic and has given me some form of faith. So, with that said, thank you medhelp; thank you contributors, with a special thanks to Mike, Curfew and Anxious No More. If y'all dont mind, I'd like to eventually post what the diagnosis is so that others' have faith in correlation not equating to causation ;)
Best regards,

[AnxiousNoMore]

Posting is up to you, but this test result does not prove anything about anyone but you.

[mr_mini_me]

Thank you for your kind words, ANM ;)

[mr_mini_me]

Thank you both for your advice. I am seeking mental health help. I went to the GP and they referred me to a sexual health clinic to have some (venous) blood tests done because of my symptoms (& anxiety) to completely rule out HIV. Awaiting further results now... :'(

[AnxiousNoMore]

Since you don't have hiv but continue to suffer hiv phobia, be sure to keep the mental health appointment.

[mr_mini_me]

Thank you, ANM. I will be sure to do so. Lets see how good these home test kits really are!

[CurfewX]

The tests are already among the MOST sensitive tests on the market, and that has been shown via millions of results.  Your one test, which will be negative, is not going to show how good these test kits really are.  Worst case scenario - you get a false positive, which is why no one here recommends testing when you haven't had a risk.

[mr_mini_me]

Thank you for your response. I did have a risk though, CurfewX - brief vaginal, unprotected. I guess I'll have to wait and see for the results to say any thing. The GP was concerned enough to refer me to a physical sexual clinic. Time will tell.  All i know, something with my body/health is amiss and my sexual exposure is correlated (though not yet causative!).
Best,

[AnxiousNoMore]

Your duo was conclusive since the window period is only 4 weeks. Your ideas are not logical that "health is amiss proves there is a correlation to sex." Only tests can prove that correlation and your test has disproven it.  No one here is going to believe your illogical claim so there is no purpose in you continuing to list it.
If you have an std issue then the sexual clinic will identify it, not you.
Since you don't have hiv but continue to suffer hiv phobia, be sure to keep the mental health appointment.

[AnxiousNoMore]

I meant "Only tests can prove that correlation and your test has disproven it for hiv at least."

[mike_no]

I feel it's time for you to seek professional help since you don't have a concern that belongs here. It's been told repeatedly that you don't have HIV and you have ignored all the advice.

This is the best we could offer you from here, please seek help.

[CurfewX]

STOP testing.  You don't have HIV.  Quit looking for reasons that your test might be unreliable.  It's not.  If you can't move on, please, for your own sake, seek professional counseling.