₦airaland Forum

I think you are mixing thing up here. You said on your post on 12th that you tested positive and here you are saying that the Test line was faint and after testing with another strip,it was negative. So if the second strip was negative I think you are negative.( What you might be seeing as a faint line may not be any faint line,but you imagining things).
Again please avoid testing by yourself,go to a reputable lab and do the test. There is a stipulated time when you have to read the test and not afterwards.
Try and consult with you doctor to do a final test and you can be sure.

I wish you good luck

Oneman2234:
I felt exposed June last year and I have been running test since then. I have using test strip to run the test, I have also did in different labs 3 times. The last test I did at the lab was 1st week of 2nd week of January. Yesterday I did with test strip, the first one showed double lines, but the "Test line" was faint. I had to repeat with another strip but a different product though it didn't show double lines. I have been having someone symptoms 2 weeks after I felt exposed, that's the reason I keep testing.

This is strange. Are you saying you did not have any other exposure after the initial one?

Oneman2234:
I just tested HIV positive after 14 months. I thought it's conclusive after 6 months

Please I need your insight on HIV test. I have tested negative at 1,3,5 and 7 month with Determine and Unigold at the lab with Both serum and whole blood. From your wealth of experience,do you think this is conclusive to rule out infection.?

hopeINhell:
Hello Clnzo, people don't always get symptoms on contracting HIV infection. But if they do, it can include prolonged coughs, colds, sore throat and body Rash.... You are doing the right thing by getting a HIV test after a sexual infection. My adv to you would be to repeat a HIV test 3 months after your last sexual contact, if that's ok. Then you are ok. I am a Dr specialising in sexual Health and HIV medicine. If you want to ask anything else you feel free.

Hello Pearl1996
Hope you are good now.
Not sure I will be able to get a response as this thread is old. Please do you or anyone here know for certain if a 7 month negative Hiv1/2 rapid test is conclusive.

Pearl1996:
30 hiv test done including Cd4 and PCR, symptoms reducing already. Still negative, moving on with my life. You didn’t answer where you live in the other post. That way people can tell you where to do the PCR.

.

Hello Pearl1996.
Hope you are good now
Not sure I will be able to get a response. Please do you or anyone here know for certain if a 7 month negative Hiv1/2 rapid test is conclusive.

Pearl1996:
30 hiv test done including Cd4 and PCR, symptoms reducing already. Still negative, moving on with my life. You didn’t answer where you live in the other post. That way people can tell you where to do the PCR.

Good morning Dr.
Please is my negative 7 month Hiv1/2 test conclusive now? I had symptoms 3 week post possible exposure ( status of the person unknown).

plendil:
You're most welcome

BTW your handle 'hopeinhell' is very . .er . .intriguing (!!!)

Helloo Dr @hopeinhell. Pls I need your advice as regards to Hiv testing window. I was possibly exposed to hiv ( not sure of the status of the person) and have tested out 1 month,3 month,5 month,6 month and 7 month at the laboratory using centrifuged blood sample from vein. Is this test and duration conclusive or do I still need to test further.

I experienced numerous symptoms 3 weeks after the encounter.

hopeINhell:
Hello Clnzo, people don't always get symptoms on contracting HIV infection. But if they do, it can include prolonged coughs, colds, sore throat and body Rash.... You are doing the right thing by getting a HIV test after a sexual infection. My adv to you would be to repeat a HIV test 3 months after your last sexual contact, if that's ok. Then you are ok. I am a Dr specialising in sexual Health and HIV medicine. If you want to ask anything else you feel free.

It was at the lab.Blood was drawn from vein,spin with a machine and then dropped on a determine HIV1/2 test kit. I got my results within 20 minutes. I have repeated the test at 7 month now and still negative with the same Determine and Uni-gold test kit.

Ashawoman82:
if u did the main lab test where blood was drawn from ur vein, the 1month test after exposure is conclusive.. As for fir the rapid test, it can only detect the virus after 90-100 days of exposure.. It's the lab where the main hiv testing carried out not on the kit... The lab can detect the virus as short as 2weeks after exposure..

Good evening Doc,
I was just going through a lot of info on Hiv1/2 related window period as I was possibly exposed to hiv ( status of the female unknown)when I stumble on this. Please with your wealth of experience,how conclusively is a hiv1/2 negative test at 189 days post exposure. Determine Hiv1/2 and Uni-Gold rapid test kits where used in Parallel. I have being struggling with some symptoms since after 4 weeks post exposure. Do I need to continue on testing or take my latest test as conclusive.

Thanks

plendil:
Well, it partially helps. . .but I need to make some emphasis:

Current guideline uses the serial testing algorithm which deploys Determine for screening, unigold for confirmation and statpak for tie breaker, so I'm not sure what you mean by 3rd/4th generation test.

Moreover the point I was trying to make has nothing to with the type of test used, but the rate of seroconversion. Unless one uses the antigen/PCR methods that directly test for the presence of viral antigen/RNA, the rapid test methods described above depends on the presence of antibodies to the virus and gives room for occasional false negatives especially if one rigidly stands by the 3 months interval.

I do concede that about 95% of infected persons will develop antibodies - and so test positive - within the 3 month window, but we have documented evidence of window periods extending well over 3months, some close to a year.

Individual host factors have been identified that could predispose certain people to such instances. That is why I would insist clients retake the test at 6months after exposure.


BTW this is not info I gleaned from the internet; I'm speaking as a medical practitioner with over 5 years experience in HIV medicine and currently involved in HIV research and training - so i have a pretty good idea of what I'm talking about.

ozo13:
sorry bro.i think it's almost conclusive how ever some school of thought are of the opinion to repeat it at 6th month post exposure and then another test at 12month especially for babies delivered by HIV mothers.
But from experience bro, at month 5 with a negative result using unigold and determine, u are likely not harboring the virus.let ur mind be at rest.Just repeat at 6th month and then 1year.
This things are just God.someone will just do once and fiam e don carry the virus where as plenty ashawo with alot of exposure Haven't gotten the virus.

Thanks bro. Another 189 days negative test,that's over 6 months now ( test kit - Determine and Uni-Gold at the hospital lab ). I was told I'm free and not infected,but my fear is that hiv2 which is prevalent in Africa/Nigeria might take time for antibodies to be detected.

Do you think the test would have detected hiv2 at this time?

@manontree. I stumbled on this detailed response as I was researching to give myself a peace of mind. I even posted my story on nairaland. What will be your take on negative hiv1/2 3rd generation antibody test at 146 days post exposure ( test kit - determine). Will you say it's conclusive or 6 month still required.
Just want to tap from your verse experience

manontree:
This is serious misinformation. A big problem that some people may actually read you and believe this and start acting on its premise

This is false. While PEP has shown to dramatically reduce the risk of HIV transmission by stopping the progression of the virons from the dendritic cells to the lymph nodes where the infection would become permanent, there has been several cases of PEP failures even when the medication was properly taken and no further exposure made

Infact the success of PEP has been estimated at just 87% while some studies even estimated less

For the OP I am surprised someone actually prescribed PEP for this exposure which is not PEP INDICATED. There is virtually no risk for this exposure and as such PEP is certainly NOT warranted. The only positive for you here is that the Travuda would serve as PreP for you

Even if PEP is warranted, Travuda alone is NOT the best medication to be used. For the seriousness of this topic I would break protocol and state the best line of defense used as PEP. I know some would still not go to a professional when they have an exposure but patronize pharmacists who continue to dish out travuda, ensure that when you do visit the pharmacist, demand for these meds combo. Its the best combination therapy and failure is rare

Tenofovir disoproxil, 300 mg/emtricitabine, 200 mg (Truvada) once daily (This comes as a single tablet)

plus

Raltegravir (Isentress), 400 mg twice daily or dolutegravir (Tivicay), 50 mg once daily. Dolutegravir is new and highly effective but relatively scarce. In its absence go for Isentress

These must be taken for 28days

You must follow these guidelines before demanding for PEP

(1) The risk must be significant enough to be PEP indicated or warranted

(2) You must see a health care professional and not self medicate

(3) If PEP is warranted, you must do a HIV baseline test to confirm you are HIV negative at the time of embarking on PEP

(4) The exposure must have occured less than 72hrs ago

If PEP is warranted and you do start it, adherence is key to ensuring its success. Do not skip any dosage. Studies have shown that the new combo as stated above are highly effective for almost all significant risks. Travuda alone cannot stop virons progressions and has been shown to at best preserve your immune systems when you do seroconvert but won't stop the seroconvertion itself

Thank you for reading

@emkz. Please what chance do I have at 146 days negative hiv1/2 test. Do you think result will change?

emkz:
HIV can be transmitted through open carbuncles and furuncles.

You need to do an antibody test 90 days and in six months to receive an all-clear. While it is easier for women to collect STDs than men, you have been exposed. So get tested.

Good luck.

What chance do one have at 146 days negative hiv1/2 test. Is 6 months still required?

proclinician:
Oga you cant be taking truvada now when nothing is wrong with you. You may be right there has been exchange of body fluid and an exposure. All you gotta do now is to have a complete blood count test 3 months from the date of the encounter and see what that vagina has given u.

One recommended strategy is to get tested 2-4 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after a risky exposure. Using a sensitive antigen/antibody HIV test, of those who are infected, most will test positive at 1 month; almost all will test positive at 3 months.

If u don't have money to dash us, do one at 3 months time. Pls eeh try stay away from the vagina.


Modified. Pep as you are likely doing is not 100% preventive and should be taken as adviced by a physician in correct dosage regimen taking into consideration your body weight. Pls schedule physical appointment with a doctor to plan how you will embark on post exposure prophylaxis.

Good morning Dr,

I read through your response to OP. I'm in the same quagmire.Would you say a negative test at 5 month should be definite and conclusive? Determine and Uni-Gold were used to test the same sample.
I had an exposure in May,which I posted in nairaland here.
Anxiety is killing 🤕 🤕

DoctorAyukebot:
The window period for most HIV antibody tests is 3months (12weeks) after exposure. I don't know which test assay is popular in Nigeria, but in Cameroon the test kit DETERMINE is a first line cos of it's high sensitivity. That means it will for the most part pick up antibodies. Oral Quick is used for confirmation cos of it's high specificity. This means sometimes cos of DETERMINE's high sensitivity it could show a false positive that needs to be confirmed with a high specificity kit like Oral Quick that's good at detecting antibodies specific to HIV..

If you tested negative at the ten week mark it's very very likely you would be negative at the 12weeks mark. Most rapid tests in use in 2023 can accurately pick antibodies at the 6weeks mark. However in line with regulation do test again at the 12 weeks mark post exposure to have a confirmatory result

Dr Ayukebot O Rowland
Pharmacognosist
Flavell MEDICINA

I meant possible exposure because I used protection,but the after handling of things made me worried. Also,the statue of the lady is unknown. I did experience symptoms after 3 weeks.

I created a thread on that here on nairaland. You can check my post on my profile

https://www.nairaland.com/8155818/infected-hiv#130987713

Curious346:
from what you wrote here . I think you dnt have HIV..
You talked about a possible exposure ?
1) is your partner a confirmed hiv patient ?
2) is he\she currently on ARV regimen?
3) are you experiencing any hiv-like symptoms ?

Thanks Curious,
I tested negative last at 153bdays which is way above 90days.

Curious346:
99% of the time , 90days is fine

Hello Ozo,

Please with your knowledge about HIV and testing,would you say a negative test at 5 month should be definite and conclusive? Determine and Uni-Gold were used to test the same sample. I had an exposure in May.
Anxiety is killing 🤕 🤕

ozo13:
usually I think determine strip is use first and if it's positive they recheck with unigold.
For p24 , it can detect HIV DNA within 2weeks -4weeks of infection .but as the post exposure day increases, the reliability of the P24 decrease .
Usually in standard hospitals in Nigeria, most blood meant for transfusion are initially screen with Determine strip and those blood donor that pass the determine test as well as that of Hepatitis B and C will donate blood but such blood are further screen with the P24 machine so that those having the early phase of the disease can still be further screened out before transfusing such blood.

Hello Finestboy,

Please do you know much about HIV testing? I had a possible exposure and I have tested at 1,3 and 5 months all came out negative. Do you think if one is positive,the test would have pick it up by now?
Did my test at a heart2heart center in a general Hospital.

finestboy1:
As someone who works in the HIV sector, Please do not harm yourself. HIV is not the end of life.. There are drugs that you can take to suppress the viral load from even infecting someone else. Kindly call 6222 toll-free from an airtel, 9 mobile or MTN line for free counseling and referral. You will be referred to a facility where you can commence treatment for free.

Hello Curious,

Please do you know much about HIV testing? I had a possible exposure and I have tested at 1,3 and 5 months all came out negative. Do you think if one is positive,the test would have pick it up?
Did my test at a heart2heart center

Curious346:
Issokay.

But you just doubled up on what I said.
You're a pervert.. I say this with all humility

Hello Bouncing,

Please do you know much about HIV testing? I had a possible exposure and I have tested at 1,3 and 5 months all came out negative. Do you think if one is positive,the test would have pick it up?
Did my test at a heart2heart center

Bouncin:
Bro just relax! With antiretroviral drugs you will do just fine. The drugs are completely free. Just walk up to a government hospital and enroll.
Let me advice you, op, I handle HIV patients as health professional. One thing you should always avoid about HIV drugs is missing the dose. Some are dosed 24hrly while others 12hrly. If you are starting the drug for the first time, you will be placed on first line which is the one you take just one tablet daily. Please and pls make sure you comply completely to this medication. If you fail to comply it will lead to therapeutic failure which means the drugs can handle the virus any longer so you will be switched to 2nd line which involves taking at least two drugs of which you will be taking 1-2tabs of each drug twice daily. So none compliance to first line is bad because it increase your pill burden that's making you take plenty drugs at same time and even twice daily plus other issues. Let me stop here. Met us at the hospital to get full counseling, but be rest assured you will do just fine!

Dr Feggie,
Do you think 5 month negative HIV 1/2 test results is conclusive or do I still need to keep testing. I had a possible exposure.

Feggie3:
I am a doctor

My best friend has HIV.

He never told anyone except me.

He takes his drugs for free.

Go to a government approved primary health centre that is far and remote from your locality and take your drugs free.

Ensure you take them everyday as stipulated.

Always check your viral load and CD4 count at intervals.

If you are steady with your drugs, it will suppress the viral load that the virus will not be found in your body secretions, with that you can even have unprotected intercourse without transmitting the infection.

You can have a partner for closure.
Do well to protect him or her by avoiding penetrative intercourse, at least u can engage in other forms of sex.

If not, you may as well choose to engage a healthy partner with same status and on drugs, if you so desire a penetrative intercourse. Nevertheless, always have your condoms handy. Get original condoms and pack them in your wallet, because conji fit hold u anywhere once around an opposite sex so u won't loose guard.

Don't disclose to anyone your status.

You can join HIV support groups for mental support.

Never regret your past if you wanna live long.

And yes my best friend even looks much healthier than me.

What is the window period for HIV1/2 testing in Nigeria. Is 5 months negative Hiv1/2 result conclusive?

Curious346:
AS a hiv counsellor I can confidently tell you that you have nothing to fear..

And infact your best life just started..

Ask me any question and I will answer you

please can 5 month negative Hiv1/2 test post exposure conclusive. I was told 3 months is conclusive.
Do I need to test again at 6 month?

KISSNigeria:
Your HIV self-test result is NOT a diagnosis.
Positive HIV self-tests should be confirmed by a healthcare provider.

HIV self-test kits are available at community pharmacies, online stores, and healthcare centers close to you. Get one and know your status today!

To learn more, follow @kissnigeria on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter

For more information on HIV prevention, visit http://kissnigeria.org
#hivprevention
#HIV
#keepitsafeandsweet

Very inspiring. I'm currently going through this nerve raking situation after a one off mistake in years that was 100% avoidable. I have tested negative at 5th month now,but symptoms I have never had in my life persisted. My case was protected,but I think I may have handled things wrongly thereafter. I even posted it here on Nairaland.
I have Google everything I could and now now Google is googling me.
I was told my 5 month test is conclusive and I should stop testing,but with the persistent symptoms e no easy

Just to check,is your symptoms gone now?

melow666:
Where do i start..
I am my parents only child, i honestly have lived a very controlled and careful life. I first had intercourse at the age of 27 with a lady i was planning to marry but it didn't click because of certain issues. I wont consider myself a good Christian as i only remember God when i am in serious issues. But anyway, i have been careful all my life. A lot of my friends experimented with drugs, women etc, but i persisted with a clean and honest living. i graduated university at the age of 20, got a job, relatively good job, whilst still serving, so my life so far, had been comfortable. I have never struggled with anything in my life. My parents, both are teachers, would always remind of with a proverb in my place ' A single palm fruit does not get lost in the fire whilst been roasted', literally meaning, if you have a single palm fruit roasting in the fire, you have to carefully monitor it, unlike when you have a lot roasting. Figuratively, i was their only child.
Well in march 3rd on the eve of the lagos state gubernatorial election, i met a girl. I had known her from her workplace, although we did not have sexual intercourse, We somehow touched each other. Unfortunately for me, earlier that day, i had injured myself, just a pin prick on my thumb. Whilst touching this lady, there might have been bodily fluid being mixed. Immediately after this incident, when my senses have become less overwhelmed by my sexual desires, i noticed the injury. Instead of going to the hospital for prep, i simply asked God for forgiveness and forgot about it. I got to understand, that actions begot consequences.

In late march, i went on vacation to the UK, i had a lot of alcohol, i came back to work and since then, my life had been miserable, one health issue or the other.

First came, heart pain(Angina), jaw, shoulder and left had pain, i shrugged it off and started exercising, then came Neuropathy, i felt pain in my legs most especially whilst lying down, well, i increase my dosage of exercise. After all, i was young.

There was silence, my health issues were over, i thought, but then at the turn came stomach issues, i had severe diarrhea, bloating, nausea. I shrugged it off, it must be a stomach bug or something i ate whilst on vacation. I ate things that i knew would not sit right in stomach literally.

Whilst i was battling with the questions of my stomach biome, came fever, it was terrible, it wrecked me. I had never been this sick in life. I had malaria before now and knew all the symptoms that came with malaria, but this time around, it was malaria plus something i could not put my hand into. I never had headache and heart pain with malaria, but this time, i had meningitic headache, the centre of my skull was soft, i could push it in and my heart was racing and pacing as if i ran, even while sleeping. My Resting heart rate which i always monitored before now as sometimes above 100 while sleeping. I went to the hospital and after several test, they claimed i had malaria and typhoid. l started treating the malaria first but it was not getting better, i then took amoxillin, the headache seized but my symptoms doubled. I still had malaise, deep within me even though i was feeling better because the pain and headache had stopped, i still felt sick and my heart raced on.
Other symptoms speedily appeared, my lymph nodes got swollen on my groin, my neck had multiple swollen lymph nodes, my head also had swollen lymph nodes which were painful. Also i noticed i had severe oral candida, my nightmares began, i had very stupid and weird dreams.

I visited a nurse who did a full blood count and noticed that my lymphocytes were quite high, 58% of my WBC, i was also anemic and speculated that this would most likely be a viral infection. I am not very versed with virology, so first thing i concluded was maybe HIV. I knew my life had changed forever. I delayed the testing because i was afraid, i was due marriage, the pressure was coming from my parents, i also had plans of futhering my studies and relocating abroad, with this virus, these might come to naught, but instead of testing, i festered the thought, i carried this secret alone, i could not tell anybody my fears.

More symtoms then came, my tongue not just went white with candida but terrible cancre sores developed on my tongue, these sores would go and new and more numerous sores would emerge. Also i developed rashes on my laps due to anemia, i took supplements, i visited different hospital praying for a different diagnosis apart from HIV, i literally prayed, God give cancer instead of HIV, i joined various HIV groups on reddit, i spent so much of my salary in the hospital that i had to go back borrowing from my parents, but i couldnt tell them why i suddenly started borrowing.

More symptoms came, my hair started thining, i was going bald, went i comb my hair, clumps of hair just fell off, i felt terrible, every morning, i spent so much time in bed reading peoples experience with the symptoms of HIV, and guess what, i had all the symptoms even HIV Neuropathy, instead of going to work, i spent a lot of times on blogs reading people first symptoms of HIV that i was always late for work. The candida was not going any where.

More symptoms came, i developed a pain at my left back, went for various xrays and ultra sound and they found nothing, i did a kidney function test and it was okay, i did a UTI test and it came back okay, then i did an urethra swab and they found i had staph which like candida is a disease that affects people with poor immune function or immunocompromised people, also i found out, that i suddenly developed ulcer.

More symptoms, because of the heart issues, symptoms and stress of the sickness and the whole mental turbulence i found myself in, i became hypertensive, my blood pressure rose from 128/78 to 167/88, i had random headaches and eye pain, i started burping more tha 70 times in a day.

One day, i woke up after year of this mental torment, i something from a novel i had read in the past hit me, although contained in the bible, but the novel had exposed the true meaning of this to me, "THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE". On my way to the office, i bought a HIV unigold test kit, i also ordered a oraquick from Jumia,

This experience had a good aspect, as i drew me nearer to God, before now, i always thought the power to succeed depended on one's hard work, i would always quote Achebe "no god makes a man prosperous but the strength of his hands and diligence", will your hard work count if you have been bedridden by sickness, i think not.

I prayed like never before, i cried before God and begged everyday for a second chance. I would be better, i will be nicer to my parents and people around me, after all to love another person is to see the face of God. My health further worsened, my skin became sensitive to touch and i would cry out in pain if someone lightly touched my skin.

The French mathematician philosophy called Pascals wager is simple, the benefits of believing in God outweighs the so benefits of not believing in God, simply explained, let say you die and there is no God, what did you lose by keeping his commandments, maybe the luxury and things of the world, but that is little compared to the pain and anguish you would go through in the torments of hell, if God exist and you fail to believe.

John Lennox also points something rational to believing in God, his argument goes like this 'lets say an atheist losses a child, well you can only tell the atheist condolences, nothing more, but a Christian, you would remind that the child would of course be in eternal rest in the bossom of Christ. Thus Christianity is even more humane as it provides hope and faith for the loses we suffer here on earth, and for the evil that happens in the world, where real justice can be perverted, we are reminded that Christ is the true judge and we will get justice at the end of our life, thus as Christ whilst on earth, went through suffering, we might suffer, have faith that we will rise with him and get our reward, So Christianity is even more rational than atheism'.

I also reminded myself that even in the situation that i HIV that God also presents me with a second chance to make a difference by getting treated early since HIV is no longer a death sentence but a chronic illness not worse than diabetes.

I got tested, first using the UNIGOLD blood prick in the office, my heart raced preparing myself for the worst, but hoping for a second change.

It fortunately for me was non reactive to the virus, did another test with the Oraquick device, also non reactive and went to the hospital to confirm, still non reactive.

I still have some of the symptoms and hoping on God to make my healing complete. If you will, give your life to Jesus, he is a better driver than you are and he will take care of you. Just remind him of his words, keep a personal relationship with him, speak to him as you would a friend, if you sin, he will never deny or reject you. Remember, this is another chance for you as you have heard this words a thousand times, i pray that the holy spirit to would speak to you, as i have done my best, he is the great comforter and pray that this would not stand against you on that last day.

In everything, I give glory God.

Where you able to test for HIV? It might not be related but if you think you once had an exposure, it will be nice to test. I'm struggling
too on my own status. I have already tested negative for 5 my month now,but I'm still having a lot of symptoms since May. I don't know if I should take my last test as conclusive and move on or test again after 24 weeks.

Thommy1976:
Please any doctor in the house. I went to do endoscopy for gastritis and doctor found I have esophageal candidiasis. He has placed me on flucozole but my fear is what I’m reading on that it’s mostly happen to people with hiv. Does it mean I have hiv ? I was having mild joint pains . Please I will like to hear opinions from you all. Thank you. Let me know what my options are

Update!!!!!

Hello ChybuzzDD

I repeated HIV1/2 test with 2 determine test kit at the hospital using a whole blood and a serum ( according to the lab scientist) and I was present to witness it. This hospital also manage people with HIV+. My result was HIV1/2 negative at 146 days post exposure. Do you think I'm in the clear or need to test till 180 days?
I was told I don't have HIV and no need to test again,but I still have persistent symptoms for over 5 month now.

ChybuzzDD:
The symptoms arose just a day after the protected intercourse.
HIV is far far away from being the suspect here. It's just not possible.

The presumed exposure of fluids was on intact skin and is considered very very low risk, and those symptoms appeared so so early to be from HIV.

They also appeared too early to be attributed to any of the other STIs/STDs.

They could just be pre-existing Peptic Ulcer symptoms triggered by your fears and anxiety.
Some of the hormones(eg Steroids) released during stressful conditions can cause or exacerbate ulcer symptoms.
To allay your fears, still repeat the HIV test after 6weeks.

Hello Dr

Please I tested for HIV1/2 with 2 determine test kit at the hospital using a whole blood and a serum ( according to the lab scientist). This hospital also manage people with HIV. My result was HIV1/2 negative at 146 days post exposure. Do you think I'm in the clear or need to test till 180 days?
I was told I don't have HIV and no need to test again,but I still have symptoms for over 5 month now.

drphantom:
On the contrary, sir.

This is my field.

There are many reasons a strip test can give you either a false negative or false positive and there were NEVER designed to be confirmatory. From outright fakes to, manufacturers defects to improper handling etc, false negative sand false positives are possible.

Also, unless specifically stated, they are designed to run on serum. And while they can run on whole blood why not follow the manufactures instructions to get optimal results? And reduce the risk of faulty test results, however minimal.

The OP used whole blood for something that was designed to run on serum on a test that is by design a screening tool.
Don’t give him false hope. Let him do the right thing through the right means.

All strip tests that are based on antigen-antibody reactions are screening tools by design.

If you want to be ABSOLUTELY sure, you run a confirmatory test.

Hello Drphantom

please your insights on this will be appreciated.
I replied this your response sometimes ago but did not get your feedback. I recently did another HIV test in a hospital and 2 test was carried out according to them. One was serum and the other a whole blood and came out negative after 146 days post exposure ( few days short of 5 month). Do you think I'm in the clear now?

drphantom:
On the contrary, sir.

This is my field.

There are many reasons a strip test can give you either a false negative or false positive and there were NEVER designed to be confirmatory. From outright fakes to, manufacturers defects to improper handling etc, false negative sand false positives are possible.

Also, unless specifically stated, they are designed to run on serum. And while they can run on whole blood why not follow the manufactures instructions to get optimal results? And reduce the risk of faulty test results, however minimal.

The OP used whole blood for something that was designed to run on serum on a test that is by design a screening tool.
Don’t give him false hope. Let him do the right thing through the right means.

All strip tests that are based on antigen-antibody reactions are screening tools by design.

If you want to be ABSOLUTELY sure, you run a confirmatory test.

Symptoms actually started 3 weeks post exposure ( 4th May exposure,while symptoms started 28th May)

ChybuzzDD:
The symptoms arose just a day after the protected intercourse.
HIV is far far away from being the suspect here. It's just not possible.

The presumed exposure of fluids was on intact skin and is considered very very low risk, and those symptoms appeared so so early to be from HIV.

They also appeared too early to be attributed to any of the other STIs/STDs.

They could just be pre-existing Peptic Ulcer symptoms triggered by your fears and anxiety.
Some of the hormones(eg Steroids) released during stressful conditions can cause or exacerbate ulcer symptoms.
To allay your fears, still repeat the HIV test after 6weeks.

Hello @ChybuzzDD, please what is your take on this topic - see link
https://www.nairaland.com/8155818/infected-hiv#130987713

ChybuzzDD:
HIV is not transmitted through the saliva, unless both of you have wounds/sores in your mouths when the kissing incident happened. You should be more worried about contracting Hepatitis B, C, and Herpes simplex virus 1, which can be passed on via the saliva.
You can repeat the HIV test after 3 months, since you can't vouch if the lady had mouty sores at that time, as well as her status. You can also do screening tests for the hepatitis B and C viruses.
For the other tests you listed, I do not see any indication for any of them at this time, in relation to your symptoms.
Remember we can not say for sure if what you had was oral thrush, as we didn't see it, and considering the fact that oral thrush is not easily dislodged by mere drinking of water. They usually need to be scraped to be able to remove them
The "walking" things on your hair and body could be attributable to anxiety/ psychological factors, known as psychosomatization.
I advise you visit a hospital where you'll be fully examined physically, and real-time decisions taken.

(Graphic Pics) by ronet2: 9:14am
Please I need your insight on my situation Dr.
I did an HIV test 3 months post exposure at the General Hospital using both Determine and Uni-Gold test kit in parallel. My results came back negative. Is it conclusive or I have to wait till 6 month?

You can check my old post for my story

Thanks

drphantom:
On the contrary, sir.

This is my field.

There are many reasons a strip test can give you either a false negative or false positive and there were NEVER designed to be confirmatory. From outright fakes to, manufacturers defects to improper handling etc, false negative sand false positives are possible.

Also, unless specifically stated, they are designed to run on serum. And while they can run on whole blood why not follow the manufactures instructions to get optimal results? And reduce the risk of faulty test results, however minimal.

The OP used whole blood for something that was designed to run on serum on a test that is by design a screening tool.
Don’t give him false hope. Let him do the right thing through the right means.

All strip tests that are based on antigen-antibody reactions are screening tools by design.

If you want to be ABSOLUTELY sure, you run a confirmatory test.

H