Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2005. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.I only had one sexual partner and he got tested for HIV, it came back negative. My quesiton is, since he was the only person I have been with, do I still need to get tested if his test was negative? If so, why?
Mark H. Katz, M.D.
Regional HIV/AIDS Physician Coordinator
Kaiser Permanente of Southern California
You bring up an interesting question. Given that your partner had been tested at some point for HIV, one might assume he has participated in some behavior risky enough so as to warrant concern. If his test was negative 3-6 months after all such behavior, and you indeed believe what he says, and there was no further unprotected sex or needle sharing subsequent to that, yes, indeed you would not need a test.
Just to play devil's advocate for a moment, let's say his test had been negative one week before you got together. But three days later he participated in high-risk activity and contracted HIV. You would have been at risk yourself of acquiring this from him, even with his "negative test."
I'm not saying you need a test after one sexual contact--and you do not state the specifics of the activity so we do not know if it were high-risk or not. But the real take-home lesson here is that no one can really figure out for you if you have been infected for the virus or not. If you are concerned, and/or if you participated in unprotected sex or needle-sharing, then the official word is that you should be screened to be sure you did not acquire HIV.
050326
ASKD050330
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted grants from Boehringer Ingelheim, Elton John AIDS Foundation, John M. Lloyd Foundation, Roche and Trimeris, the National Library of Medicine, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. 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, 2005. 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.