Unsure of results

[Confused3211]

I had protected sex with a csw.  The condom might have fallen off, and I am uncircumsized male.  I have taken several test since.

at 2 weeks I took a DNA by PCR test along with a 3rd gen EIA - Negative
at 5 1/2 weeks i took another DNA by PCR alond with an EIA(through stdtestexpress) - negative
at 6 weeks i took a Oraquick rapid finger stick - negative
at 9 1/2 weeks i took another Oraquick rapid - negative
at 90 days I took a final oraquick rapid finger stick - negative.

The symptoms that I have been feeling are a
-hive like rash on both arm that appear off and on since 6 weeks.
- a swollen gland in my neck from weeks 7 to 12
-a constant sore and scratchy throat.
- tricep muscle that is constantly twitching ( this appeared at week 10)  

I fear that these test are false negatives, since I did not take and 3rd generation or above test after week 6.  Should I take a 4th generation test 13 weeks post exposure?
please advise

[Edward W Hook, MD]

You are taking a three year old post, interpreting it out of context.  No change in my advice or assessment and no further anxiety driven follow up comments will be accepted.  Please get a grip on yourself and relax.  Believe your test results.  EWH

[Confused3211]

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/HIV-Prevention/Accuracy-of-rapid-tests/show/1316320

This is the post where the 85 % is mentioned

[Confused3211]

Doctor
I know i was done with this discussion. But I just read a post between you and another poster regarding the Accuracy of Rapid test.

In this test the percentages of 80 to 85 percent are mention for oraquick assays.  

I'm not sure what you mean by this. So I will ask one question to clarify ?

Are the oraquick rapid finger test 100 percent accurate at 12 weeks no matter how high the risk was ?

Thank you in advanced Dr. Hook

[Edward W Hook, MD]

No but I was busy and have not gotten to your question.  Patience please, just I have been patient with your anxiety driven questions.

Uncircumcised men are at increased risk for several reasons including that the skin on the head of the penis is different (thinner and less cornified) than the skin on the head of the penis is circumcised men. Further, an intact foreskin tends to hold secretions in place, preventing drying and prolonging exposure compared to circumcised men.  

As I said before, vaginal secretion do not work there way down towards the head of the penis when a condom is used.

With tis, I will accept/take your offer and make this my last comment. There will be no further replies.  Take care. EWH

[Confused3211]

Sorry, but did a reach a limit on post/questions?

[Confused3211]

for the last question then.  thank you an advance for all.

Can you inform me how uncircumsiced men are at more of a risk.  

from what i understand vaginal fluids contain HIV virus, which can connect with the langhan cells and enter the body through the penis foreskin.  

I know i had a condom, but if vagincal fluid is around the condom or shaft.  can you please inform me on the last thing.  

i am sorry for being a bother

[Confused3211]

for the last question then.  thank you an advance for all.

Can you inform me how uncircumsiced men are at more of a risk.  

from what i understand vaginal fluids contain HIV virus, which can connect with the langhan cells and enter the body through the penis foreskin.  

I know i had a condom, but if vagincal fluid is around the condom or shaft.  can you please inform me on the last thing.  

i am sorry for being a bother

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Repating your questions does not change the answer;

just to clarify. when removing the condom could vaginal fluid from the base of the penis, make its way to the foreskin of an uncircumcised man?
No, this does not occur or constitute as risk, as I said before.


also im not sure you are understanding my question regarding OraQuick finger stick test.  
Understood, no change int he answer

is this test the modern test that you guys alway mention.  for example you say that the window period has been reduced because of modern testing.
The Oraquick blood test provides accurate, reliable answers at 8 weeks or beyiond. Again, already said.

are you referring to point of care test such as the OraQuick finger, or are you just referring to 3rd gen and 4th gen test?
See above.

is the oraquick just as accurate as the 3rd gen after 3 months.
Yes!!!!!!!!

EWH

[Confused3211]

just to clarify. when removing the condom could vaginal fluid from the base of the penis, make its way to the foreskin of an uncircumcised man?


also im not sure you are understanding my question regarding OraQuick finger stick test.  

is this test the modern test that you guys alway mention.  for example you say that the window period has been reduced because of modern testing.

are you referring to point of care test such as the OraQuick finger, or are you just referring to 3rd gen and 4th gen test?

is the oraquick just as accurate as the 3rd gen after 3 months.

thank you an advanced for taking time to answer my question

[Edward W Hook, MD]

No, muscle spasms are not a symptom of recently acquired HIV

I'll say it a final time- your OraQick results are reliable- believe them.   EWH

[Confused3211]

Last post doctor.

Have you heard of muscle spasms bring a symptom. ?

Also is the oraquick finger stick  one of the modern test you guys mention? Is it reliable at 3 months ? I know it is not a 3rd generation test

[Edward W Hook, MD]

No, vaginal secretions transferred with condom removal are not a source of HIV infection.  

Your Oraquick test results are definitve. Believe them

Persons do not seroconvert after 12 (or even 8) weeks. the idea of "delayed seroconversion" is a myth, fostered and supported by the interent without basis.  EWH

[Confused3211]

After I remove the condom is it possible for vaginal secretions from the base of my penis to infect me . Again I am uncircumcised.

Is the oraquick finger stick the right test for me, or should I wait for 6 months to retest ?

What can cause I person to seroconvert after 12 weeks?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

There are no data to suggest that vaginal secretions can enter a condom through the base to then cause infection.  I would not worry about this possiblity.

You are well beyond the period when HIV symptoms would occur due to seroconversion .  Once again, I urge you to beleive your test resul;ts. EWH

[Confused3211]

Thank you for your quick response.  I have read through many of the questions posted on here, and find that you guys are very helpful.


May i follow up with a question.  

I believe the condom was always protected the head of the penis, my concern is that because I am uncircumcised if vaginal fluid got on the base or bottom of my shaft and then made its way to the langerhans cells, either because i did not roll the condom all the way down or could this happen when i remove the condom.  

Could there have been a possibility of the oraquick rapid being a false negative? For example if seroconversion happening now?
I am afraid that i have HIV and i can effect others.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to our Forum.  I'll be happy to comment.  let me first provide the "punch line"- you clearly do not have HIV from the exposure you describe and do not need to worry about this exposure or to test further.  You did not get HIV form the exposure you describe.  

Now let me explain why I say this with complete confidence:
1.  Apparently you are not sure if the condom remained on or not.  If it remained on, there was no risk.
2.  Even though your partner was a CSW, most CSWs do not have HIV.  
3. Even if she had HIV, most unprotected genital exposures do not lead to transmission.  On average, only a single infection occurs for every 1000 unprotected exposures to infected partners.
4.  You have multiple different tests which test in different ways which tell you that you did not get HIV.  All tests performed more than 8 weeks after the exposure provide definitive results as does the combination of a PCR and EIA test performed at 5 and 1/2 weeks

Your symptoms are due to something other than HIV, perhaps the flu or some other non-STI illness. Be confident that you did not get HIV from the exposure you have described.

I hope my comments are helpful to you. EWH