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Testing ?
Hello doctors I had a quick question if you don't mind. I had a possible exposure with unprotected vaginal intercourse with multiple times with same person. At three weeks after the last time we were together had a few symptoms. Two weeks later had a couple more symptoms. At five weeks I had a rapid blood test from my finger. Neg. At six weeks I had a rapid mouth swab (oraquick advanced I believe it was called) which was neg. and then at 8 weeks I had the same mouth swab test which was neg. do you feel these tests are reliable and conclusive in this time frame? Am I good to move on from this nightmare? Thank you for your advice.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Sigh. I just spent substantial effort to explain why HCV testing isn't needed in relation to the exposure described. Obviously, therefore, the timing after the exposure doesn't matter, does it?
That said, to my knowledge anything beyond 6 weeks would be sufficient. But for all the same reasons -- I rarely have a need to test patients for HCV -- I don't keep up on testing issues, so I cannot say for sure. But I believe either a 7 week or 12 week test would prove you weren't infected.
That will end this thread. I won't have any further comments or advice.
That said, to my knowledge anything beyond 6 weeks would be sufficient. But for all the same reasons -- I rarely have a need to test patients for HCV -- I don't keep up on testing issues, so I cannot say for sure. But I believe either a 7 week or 12 week test would prove you weren't infected.
That will end this thread. I won't have any further comments or advice.
As well as the % reliability of 7.5 week test and 12 week testing for hcv....thanks doc! Now this was my last one in sure your a busy man!
Thanks doctor appreciate the timely response. What would you consider a conclusive timeline for hcv exposure with antibody testing? Thanks again this will be my last question. Have a good one.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Thanks for this follow-up question, which is an opportunity for a blog-like response -- to be saved for aid in replying to future questions about hepatitis C virus (HCV) as an STD.
Cntrary to popular perceptions, HCV sexually transmitted rarel and is not properly considered an STD. The rates of HCV are no higher in people high STD rates compared with people who never had an STD. There also is no difference in HCV infection frequenty in people with many versus few lifetime sex partners. The only clearly documented sexual transmission is really one of blood-borne transmission: gay men who participate in traumatic (bloody) anal sex, e.g. fisting.
For those reasons, STD clinics don't test people for HCV unless they have blood-related risks, such as injection drug use with shared equipment. And, for the reason implied, among some gay men, especially those with HIV. (Anal sex, especially with trauma, explains most HIV infections in gay men.)
Accordingly, there is no point in you being tested for HCV on account of the sexual exposure described. Of course you are free to do it, and there are enough unexplained HCV infections that probably everone should be tested at least once. But if your result is positive, it won't have anything to do with your recent low risk sexual exposure. And finally, that's why it doesn't matter when you get tested in relation to the sexual exposure mentioned.
There is no evidence that having any two infections, or acquiring them simultaneous -- whether HIV, HCV, or any others -- interferes with testing for either of them.
Cntrary to popular perceptions, HCV sexually transmitted rarel and is not properly considered an STD. The rates of HCV are no higher in people high STD rates compared with people who never had an STD. There also is no difference in HCV infection frequenty in people with many versus few lifetime sex partners. The only clearly documented sexual transmission is really one of blood-borne transmission: gay men who participate in traumatic (bloody) anal sex, e.g. fisting.
For those reasons, STD clinics don't test people for HCV unless they have blood-related risks, such as injection drug use with shared equipment. And, for the reason implied, among some gay men, especially those with HIV. (Anal sex, especially with trauma, explains most HIV infections in gay men.)
Accordingly, there is no point in you being tested for HCV on account of the sexual exposure described. Of course you are free to do it, and there are enough unexplained HCV infections that probably everone should be tested at least once. But if your result is positive, it won't have anything to do with your recent low risk sexual exposure. And finally, that's why it doesn't matter when you get tested in relation to the sexual exposure mentioned.
There is no evidence that having any two infections, or acquiring them simultaneous -- whether HIV, HCV, or any others -- interferes with testing for either of them.
Thanks for your reply doctor. How long do you suggest to wait for a hepatitis c test? Had a neg. Antibody test 7.5 weeks post exposure. Also if somehow a person acquired both would that mess with antibody testing? Thanks doctor and have a good day.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome to the forum. The news is good: you definitely can rely on your negative test results.
With all HIV tests in routine use, if testing is done sufficiently long after the last possible exposure, the results outweigh all other considerations, such as exposure history and symptoms. Even if your partner had HIV (statistically, it is unlikely she did) and even if your symptoms were typical (you don't describe them, so I can't judge), the negative oral fluids antibody tests at both 6 and 8 weeks were 100% reliable.
So the results are conclusive and you indeed are "good to move on". All is well. However, I do hope you'll get into the condom habit for future sexual exposures with new or casual partners.
I hope this has helped. Best wishes -- HHH, MD
With all HIV tests in routine use, if testing is done sufficiently long after the last possible exposure, the results outweigh all other considerations, such as exposure history and symptoms. Even if your partner had HIV (statistically, it is unlikely she did) and even if your symptoms were typical (you don't describe them, so I can't judge), the negative oral fluids antibody tests at both 6 and 8 weeks were 100% reliable.
So the results are conclusive and you indeed are "good to move on". All is well. However, I do hope you'll get into the condom habit for future sexual exposures with new or casual partners.
I hope this has helped. Best wishes -- HHH, MD
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