HIV Testing: Can 130 Days Rule Out Infection?

Q: HIV Testing: Can 130 Days Rule Out Infection?

Hello： If you have not tested positive in the hospital after 90 days, it can generally be ruled out, and there is no need for concern. <br>If you are worried, please practice safe behaviors. <br>Wishing you good health.

Is an HIV test at 130 days conclusive?

I had a high-risk encounter on October 7, 2017, and subsequently tested negative for HIV using the Abbott P24 test at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 weeks.
I also tested negative for HIV using RT-PCR at 10 days and 33 days post-exposure.
However, I experienced abdominal pain and diarrhea one week after the encounter, swollen neck at four weeks, dizziness, and chest pain at six weeks, along with a sweat rash on my palm, but no diarrhea at that time.
Most recently, at four months and ten days post-exposure, I tested negative for the P24 test again, but my neck swelling has not resolved, and I still experience dizziness and chest pain.

I would like to know if my 130-day test results are reliable and if I can rule out the possibility of HIV.
I have also tested for syphilis.
If these symptoms were caused by HIV, shouldn't they have been detected earlier? My T3 level was 147 mg/dl at 90 days, which is high, while T4 levels were normal.
My high-sensitivity CRP was 0.80 mg/dl, slightly elevated above the normal range of <0.72.
At the 130-day test, my T4 was 4.84 µg/dl, slightly low by 0.03, and T3 was normal with a CRP of 0.79 mg/dl, also slightly elevated.
All lymphocyte counts were normal, suggesting that the neck swelling is not lymphatic in origin.

Given that I have only had sexual intercourse with my wife after the 10-week mark without using protection, and she is confirmed not to be an HIV carrier, could my test results show any abnormalities?

A Kai, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/02/28

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello: If you have not tested positive in the hospital after 90 days, it can generally be ruled out, and there is no need for concern.
If you are worried, please practice safe behaviors.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2018/02/28

More Info

Based on the information provided, it appears that you have undergone multiple HIV tests following a high-risk exposure, and all results have been negative. Specifically, you mentioned that you had negative results from the Abbott P24 antigen tests at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 weeks, as well as negative results from RT-PCR tests at 10 days and 33 days post-exposure. Most importantly, you had another P24 test at 130 days (approximately 4 months and 10 days) that also returned negative.

To address your primary question: Yes, a negative HIV test at 130 days post-exposure is considered conclusive and can effectively rule out HIV infection. The standard window period for most HIV tests, including the fourth-generation tests like the Abbott P24, is generally around 4 to 12 weeks. By 12 weeks, the vast majority of individuals who are infected will have developed detectable antibodies or antigens, making the test results highly reliable. Since you have continued to test negative well beyond this period, it is safe to conclude that you are not infected with HIV.

Regarding your symptoms—abdominal pain, diarrhea, swollen neck, dizziness, and heart pain—these can be caused by a variety of factors unrelated to HIV. While some of these symptoms can be associated with acute HIV infection, they can also result from other medical conditions, infections, or even stress and anxiety related to your concerns about HIV. It's important to remember that HIV does not typically present with symptoms like swollen lymph nodes or skin rashes until much later in the infection, if at all, especially if the person is asymptomatic.

As for your concerns about the swollen neck and other symptoms persisting despite negative HIV tests, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation. They can help determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and provide appropriate treatment if necessary. It is also worth noting that your thyroid levels and CRP (C-reactive protein) levels, while slightly elevated, do not directly indicate HIV infection.

In terms of your sexual practices, since you mentioned that your wife is confirmed not to be an HIV carrier and you have been engaging in sexual activity without condoms after the 10-week mark, your risk of contracting HIV is significantly reduced. However, it is always prudent to maintain regular health check-ups and screenings for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as part of responsible sexual health practices.

In summary, based on the negative results from your HIV tests, particularly the one conducted at 130 days, you can confidently rule out HIV infection. Your ongoing symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare provider to identify their cause and receive appropriate care. Remember, it is essential to prioritize your mental and physical health, and seeking professional help can provide clarity and peace of mind.

Similar Q&A

Understanding HIV Testing: Can You Rule Out Infection After 8 Weeks?

Hello, I had a fourth-generation ELISA combo antigen/antibody test for HIV at four weeks and eight weeks after engaging in high-risk behavior, and both results were negative. When I called to inquire about the report, they said that this test has a window period of only one month...

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: There is inevitably a window period, but testing units can exclude the window period, so it should be reliable. Wishing you good health.

Can You Rule Out HIV After Negative Tests? Understanding Symptoms

If you underwent screening at a health clinic three to four months after engaging in high-risk behavior and tested negative for syphilis and HIV, but are still experiencing many symptoms similar to HIV infection, such as fatigue and mouth sores, and your steady partner also frequ...

Dr. Li Xinyi reply Urology
Although the window period is considered to be three months, it is still possible for it to be longer. If there are concerns, it is advisable to undergo blood testing and follow-up.

Understanding HIV Testing: Is 7-8 Months Enough for Accurate Results?

Doctor, I engaged in high-risk behavior (unprotected oral sex) about 7 to 8 months ago and underwent anonymous testing for HIV and syphilis at a hospital. Both results were negative. Does this confirm that I am not infected? Is there a need for further testing? Are the current te...

Dr. Liao Zhongxin reply Internal Medicine
Dear readers: Regarding the issue of HIV, here is the response: A: 1. After each instance of high-risk behavior or sharing needles or diluents for drug use, monitoring should be conducted for at least three to six months. 2. If the test results are negative after three to six mon...

Does PrEP Affect HIV Testing Results? Understanding Your Risks and Concerns

On September 27, I took 2 PrEP pills 2 hours late, and 1.5 hours later, I engaged in unprotected oral sex as a receptive partner with deep kissing, but there was no anal intercourse. From September 28 to October 1, I took 1 pill each day. Afterward, the other person informed me t...

Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
The report is accurate, but HIV infection has a window period. A negative PCR test on day 13 does not completely rule out the possibility of HIV infection. Currently, there are no studies indicating how long after exposure a PCR test can definitively exclude HIV infection. Genera...