Can a Negative HIV Test Result Change After 10 Weeks?

Q: Can a Negative HIV Test Result Change After 10 Weeks?

Hello： On October 7th, it was classified as high risk, and it will take about three months to be more certain. <br>Be cautious of various symptoms. <br>Since you have already seen an infectious disease specialist, you may need to return for a follow-up appointment after three mon

Is a turnaround possible?

Doctor, I had a high-risk exposure on October 7th and underwent RT-PCR tests on October 18th and November 9th.
I also had P24 antigen and antibody tests at 4 weeks, 6 weeks, 8 weeks, and 10 weeks.
I experienced diarrhea and abdominal pain on October 14th, which led to fasting for 3 days and a weight loss of 5 to 8 kilograms.
The diarrhea and abdominal pain persisted for a month.
On October 26th, I had lymphadenitis, and during this period, I experienced slight headaches (at the back of my head).
In the 6th week, I developed white patches in my mouth, and by the 8th week, I noticed lymphadenitis in my groin as well.
Currently, 4 days into the 10th week, I have developed a blister on my hand without any apparent cause.
I would like to ask if the symptoms I experienced could be caused by HIV.
All my tests so far have been negative.
Is there a possibility of a false negative at the 10-week mark? The lymphadenopathy has persisted for almost 2 months without resolution or further enlargement.
I have also consulted an infectious disease specialist and had blood tests, all of which returned normal results.
If the blister on my hand were caused by HIV, would it appear as multiple lesions at once or develop one by one? I had RT-PCR tests done at 10 days and 33 days, and there are only a few days left until the 12-week mark.
Can I trust the results from the 10-week tests? Thank you for your assistance, doctor.

A-Kai, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/12/21

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello: On October 7th, it was classified as high risk, and it will take about three months to be more certain.
Be cautious of various symptoms.
Since you have already seen an infectious disease specialist, you may need to return for a follow-up appointment after three months.
Of course, a negative blood test is a good sign.
Currently, the best course of action is to practice safe sex.
Maintain a normal lifestyle to boost your immune system, and seek medical attention if you experience any unusual symptoms.
Wishing you good health.
(By the way, is there a blood test for syphilis?)

Reply Date: 2017/12/21

More Info

When it comes to HIV testing and the interpretation of results, understanding the window period and the implications of symptoms is crucial. In your case, you have undergone multiple tests, including RT-PCR and antigen-antibody tests, at various intervals following a high-risk exposure.
To address your primary concern: a negative HIV test result at 10 weeks is generally considered reliable, especially if you have undergone tests that are known for their sensitivity and specificity, such as the fourth-generation antigen-antibody test. These tests can typically detect HIV infection within 18 to 45 days after exposure, with most individuals developing detectable antibodies by 6 to 12 weeks. Therefore, by the 10-week mark, the likelihood of a false negative result decreases significantly.

However, it is important to note that while the risk of a false negative diminishes, it is not entirely eliminated. Factors such as the timing of the test in relation to exposure, the individual's immune response, and the specific test used can all influence the results. In rare cases, individuals may take longer to develop antibodies, which is why follow-up testing at 12 weeks is often recommended for conclusive results.

Regarding your symptoms, including diarrhea, abdominal pain, swollen lymph nodes, and oral lesions, it is understandable to be concerned about their connection to HIV. However, these symptoms can be indicative of various conditions, not solely HIV. The presence of symptoms does not automatically imply an HIV infection, especially if your test results remain negative.
The RT-PCR test, which detects the presence of the virus's RNA, is highly sensitive and can identify HIV earlier than antibody tests. If you received negative results from RT-PCR at 10 days and again at 33 days, it further supports the likelihood that you are not infected with HIV. However, if you continue to experience symptoms, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider to explore other potential causes.

As for the water blister on your hand, while HIV can cause skin manifestations, they typically present as rashes or lesions rather than isolated blisters. If the blister persists or worsens, it would be prudent to seek medical evaluation to rule out other dermatological conditions or infections.

In summary, given your consistent negative test results at 10 weeks and the nature of the tests performed, it is unlikely that your status would change at this point. However, it is advisable to follow up with another test at 12 weeks for peace of mind and to ensure that you have conclusive results. Additionally, if your symptoms persist, further evaluation by a healthcare professional is warranted to address any underlying health issues. Regular follow-up and open communication with your healthcare provider are key to managing your health and alleviating concerns.

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