Question:

Doc, after fairly high-risk hetero HIV exposure (one month), I am having severe nightsweats only when I sleep w/out a shirt. Now, I have a numbness/itchy feeling in my hands (but primarily in my left hand). I have had negative Oralquick and ELISA tests at the 6 week mark. After the ELISA, the doc said she was almost 100% sure that I didn't have HIV because today's tests can tell within 6-8 weeks; Here are my questions:
1) Should I see a different doctor?
2) What is the difference between the accuracy and quickness for the two tests?
3)Would you advise seeing an HIV specialist and being put on HIV meds to rid the neuropathy?

Doc, I want to thank you so much for your heartfelt compassion and strong desire to help others like myself who are scared and confused in light of this dark matter.

Answer provided by:

Daniel Lee, M. D.
Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine
UCSD Medical Center
Owen Clinic

To answer your questions:
1. It is up to you if you want to see a different doctor. She is probably correct that you are negative. Most people who are HIV positive will have a positive test usually within 6-12 weeks (with some becoming positive as late as 6 months from time of exposure).

2. In regards to the accuracy and quickness of the tests, they are very similar with accuracy rates about 99%. The rapid test, however, usually requires a confirmation with a standard HIV blood test. This is because some of the rapid tests use only an ELISA test which if positive, needs a confirmatory Western blot test (which the standard HIV blood test uses both ELISA and Western blot).

3. I don't think you need to see an HIV specialist unless you are confirmed HIV positive. Because you are negative, there is no need to get put on HIV meds. Besides, your symptoms do not sound like standard neuropathy pain seen in HIV patients.

Good luck, try not to worry, and remember to be safe.

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