Aa
PCR DNA at 4+ Weeks
Dear Doctors: Having spent an inordinate amount of time on the internet regarding my circumstances, I apologize in advance for the redundancy of this question. However, because no two situations are exactly alike, i will ask anyway. I had a low (or no) risk exposure. One time cunnilingus on a female of unknown status. No intercourse or additional sexual activity. 4 weeks and 3 days following this incident, I was tested (stdexpress, Labcorp) for HIV and other STD's. All tests were negative, including the HIV antibody and the HIV DNA PCR.
Please advise as to your risk assessment of this incident, the reliability of the PCR and the necessity for further testing at a later date. Thank you very much for anticipated response.
Please advise as to your risk assessment of this incident, the reliability of the PCR and the necessity for further testing at a later date. Thank you very much for anticipated response.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome to our Forum. I'll be happy to provide this information. If I may, do you mind if I ask how much you paid for your STD testing?
This was a no risk exposure for HIV. While the quoted figure for HIV risk, if one has oral sex with an infected partner is less than 1 in 10,000 and, in my estimation that is too high. Many experts, including us, state there is no risk at all from oral sex. Neither of us on this site have ever seen or reading the medical literature of a convincing instance in which HIV was passed by oral sex. We would not have recommended HIV testing for this exposure.
Now that you have tested however, you should believe your test results. The combination of an HIV PCR test and an HIV antibody test at 4 weeks following an exposure provide accurate information about whether or not a person has acquired HIV. Thus, your test results prove that HIV was not acquired from the exposure you mention. there is no need for further testing.
I hope this comment is helpful to you. Take care. EWH
This was a no risk exposure for HIV. While the quoted figure for HIV risk, if one has oral sex with an infected partner is less than 1 in 10,000 and, in my estimation that is too high. Many experts, including us, state there is no risk at all from oral sex. Neither of us on this site have ever seen or reading the medical literature of a convincing instance in which HIV was passed by oral sex. We would not have recommended HIV testing for this exposure.
Now that you have tested however, you should believe your test results. The combination of an HIV PCR test and an HIV antibody test at 4 weeks following an exposure provide accurate information about whether or not a person has acquired HIV. Thus, your test results prove that HIV was not acquired from the exposure you mention. there is no need for further testing.
I hope this comment is helpful to you. Take care. EWH
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Thank you. Take care. EWH
Thank you so much for your prompt response. As for your question, I believe I paid in the vicinity of $350. As you have advised, I will believe my test results. Thanks again for your help.
You are reading content posted in the HIV - Prevention Forum
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.
