HomeAnswersCommunity Medicinehiv testingAre HIV rapid test results reliable after three months of exposure?

My HIV 1 and 2 rapid tests are non-reactive on 97th day. Do I need further tests?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Vinodhini J.

Published At September 5, 2020
Reviewed AtMay 31, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I did an HIV card test on 85th day after unprotected sex and it was negative. Again I went for HIV 1 and 2 rapid test on 97th day. It came non-reactive. Do I need any further test after six months? Or is it conclusive?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The chances of transmission of HIV by unprotected sex with an HIV positive person is very low. The negative HIV antibodies test after three months of exposure is conclusive provided there is no further risk exposure. There is no need for further HIV tests.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for your reply.

Why do some articles suggest a retest after six months? I am getting anxious.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

HIV antibodies are formed within two to six weeks post-exposure. Still there is leverage given until three months. Earlier concept was six months. Now it is considered three months post-exposure HIV antibodies test negative results as conclusive. Do not worry. Just relax and forget about the episode. Get involved in activities of your interest. Do yoga, meditation, and exercises.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Does just putting the tip of the penis a few millimeters inside the vagina be risky for HIV transmission? (no full penetration). I had this kind of unprotected sex for a few seconds along with some genital rubbing?

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Intact skin is an effective barrier to HIV. If the skin of both is intact when in contact there is no chance of transmission. Otherwise, there is a possibility of transmission if one of them is positive. If infective fluids, semen or blood comes in contact with breach in skin or mucus membrane also then the transmission is possible.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

No semen discharge. As I already explained, I inserted my penis only a few millimeters in and out (not even full intercourse) for a single time. Will it be counted as an exposure? Also, what about the risk from vaginal secretions?

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

The transmission chances in your scenario is almost nil. Remote possibilities may be there because of contact with secretion. Anyway, if your HIV antibodies test is negative after three months exposure you are free from HIV.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I had vaginal intercourse with the same partner (we both had tested non-reactive after three months of last exposure). I think I had pulled out before ejaculation but maybe a few drops of semen could have gone in. Any risk of HIV or pregnancy?

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

If you had intercourse between the 9th and 21st day of her menstrual cycles, there are chances of pregnancy (if her previous cycles are regular). If both are HIV negative and both do not have any other risk exposure, there is no chance of HIV transmission.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

But will a drop of semen cause pregnancy? We had non-reactive HIV reports on the 98th day of last exposure by Tridot rapid test. Also, I myself had a urine test for other STD, but the doctor had told me all are normal. It is a bit confusing right now.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

If you had intercourse between the 9th and 21st days of her menstrual cycles, there are chances of pregnancy (if her previous cycles are regular). If beyond that period there is no chance. STD (sexually transmitted disease) is not possible if both do not have and not having multiple partners risk.

Patient's Query

Sir,

I went for VDRL test and HBsAg test after consulting a medicine specialist. All came negative. All after 3 months of exposure. I had also tested non reactive in tridot, HIV test as well. Also my urine test had no bacteria at all. Are the report conclusive for all STD? Is any further testing required. Please help sir.

Hi Thank you for the follow up query . If all the STDs tests are negative after 3 months exposure, then it is conclusive you are free from them. Provided there is no further risk exposure. You can go for HSV 1&2 IgM and IgG antibodies if it is not done.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Those tests (herpes) as I know a bit are advised if there are symptoms in a few weeks. But I have absolutely no symptoms. Does nil bacteria and parasite in my urine test rules out all possible bacterial STD chances?

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Only urine test does not rule out all bacterial sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Anyway you never had any symptoms or lesions to suggest any infection. So you need not worry about them. HIV is negative and conclusive after 3 months exposure. Herpes simplex virus can be transmitted by skin to skin contact or by kissing or as STDs. Herpes test is optional as you do not have symptoms. It can be done as a routine or baseline.

I hope this has helped you. Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Basti Bharatesh Devendra
Dr. Basti Bharatesh Devendra

Dermatology

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