Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date. Doctor,
I thank you in advance for your response to my question. I have
had several tests done since my possible exposure. I was hoping
that you could shed some light on my worries.
It has been over 7 weeks since my possible exposure to HIV. At week two, my EIA test came back negative. At week 4 my RNA-PCR test (<400) came back undetectable. At week 6, I took another RNA-PCR test (<50), and a p24 antigen test. Both came back undetectable. At 6 and a half weeks, my EIA antibody test came back negative also.
The only reason why I am worried now is because the day before I got the p24 and rna-pcr test result back, I developed a low grade fever. But 4 days later my antibody test came back negative as well. I have had a low grade fever 99.2 - 99.9 for the past 12 days now. At the same time, I've been having night sweats and diarrhea continuously. I easily bruise now also. My groin is achy and my head is a little achy too. My upper abdominal is achy as well.
I was hoping that you could shed some light to the situation. Could I still test positive for HIV, even though I tested undetectable for the rna-pcr <50, p24, and EIA antibody at 6 to 6 and a half weeks? I know I'm still going to have to confirm at 3 months and 6 months just to be cleared, but I was hoping that I can be a little more at ease here. Thank you again in advance for your answer to my questions.
Mark H. Katz, M.D.
Regional HIV/AIDS Physician Coordinator
Kaiser Permanente of Southern California
The average time for conversion of the test to positive is between 14 and 22 days. It is rare to stretch out to even a month, although there have been case reports of it not happening for longer than that. (A negative test at 3 months is pretty clear evidence of not having been infected, and at 6 months, this is about as sure as one can get.)
Similarly, the entity of primary (or acute) HIV infection-symptoms of which are similar to yours, and quite similar to the infinitely more common "viral syndrome" or "flu" we all get from time to time-will generally occur within 2 weeks after infection has occurred. I personally have never heard of it this far out in time. (Is it possible you had a later exposure to HIV?)
Thus, the chance of your having acquired HIV seems infinitesimally small to me, and the retesting as you are planning to do is the absolute way to be sure!
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2003. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980,2011. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.