Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2004. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date. Hi. I have recently tested negtative at 39 days (ELISA from quest labs) and negatvie again (Home Access ELISA) at 72 days. My exposure was pretty low, protected sex and unprotected oral sex on me with a female of unknown HIV status. Afterwards I got sick and real paranoid and I am still sick now. I am in serious depression and cant shake the paranoia of being infected.
I am wondering if the generation of the Home Access test makes my results less valid? Also, is ARS usually consistent with feeling ill for 11 weeks? I am retesting using Home Access at 13 weeks, but now I am scared that since it is a first generation test, it wont be as valid. I emailed them and they said that the difference between the generations is picking up the infection early in the window period and that at week 13, the generation doesn't matter.Please help me! Thanks a million....
Mark H. Katz, M.D.
Regional HIV/AIDS Physician Coordinator
Kaiser Permanente of Southern California
Hello! Your sexual activity sounds like very low risk, indeed. Your two negative tests should be most reassuring. There are many things that can cause illness besides HIV. I suggest you see a physician or other health care provider and be screened for other conditions. Also, if your paranoia is incapacitating, then a mental health provider should be able to help you deal with this part in an effective way. Good luck!
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