Question
Is a negative test after three months accurate?
16 January 2018. Related: All topics, HIV testing, HIV transmission.
Hi, I had sex with a girl. Five weeks (37 days) after the exposure, I got HIV test and the result was negative. 91 days after exposure I got HIV test again for confirmation, the result is negative.
My questions are:
1. Does it mean that I am really HIV negative?
2. Should I get HIV test again next December 2007 (6 months after exposure)?
Answer
Yes, after this time the results are very accurate.
To question #1: Unless you had another exposure risk during the 91 days period, then yes, the test shows that you are HIV negative.
To question #2: In very rare cases it takes more than 40 days for the body to develop antibodies to HIV that can be picked up by the test. That is why it is a good idea to test again three months after the possible risk, even though the chances of a positive result then are very small.
This question was updated in January 2018 from an original answer posted in October 2007. i-Base no longer answers individual questions about testing and transmission – please see: Question 1 at this link for more information).
Hi on yesterday I went to get tested for HIV because the last time was with my ex boyfriend after we started dating and results were negative but it was a swabbing test and I didn’t trust it. I had a blood test done and it came out to be positive and I’m frustrated and having very suicidal thoughts because I never would have imagined and he was the last unprotected person. Oh
We are not doctors and so you need to see your doctor about syphilis.
We no longer answer questions about transmission and testing. This information service is for people who are HIV positive, and about HIV treatment.
Most questions about transmission and testing have been answered here:
https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing
I have experienced almost all symptoms of HIV early infection including rash and sore throat for almost a month but I tested after 35 days after exposure, I was negative. Then after 42 days I tested again it came out negative. After 2 and a half months also I was negative. But also I had a syphilis test and the Doctor told me that I have it. What are the chances of testing positive in the 3 months period and syphilis symptoms are they the same as of those for early HIV infection?
yes, because the risk was more than 3 months ago.
Hi Queency
I am sorry to hear that you had such a traumatic experience. It is important you try to see a doctor or visit a clinic where you can ask about the rash. It is maybe more important to find someone else to talk to about this experience who can help you get your strength back so you feel better about yourself. The clinic should be able to recommend support groups. You could also ask to see a woman counsellor or doctor where is might be much easier to talk. I edited your long post to this shorter one to focus on the most important things. Please try to speak to someone about these issues. The HIV tests show you are HIV negative and do not have HIV.
I’m 20 years old and had sex that I did not agree to. I got counselled which was no help and he just told me to take a test. After 3 months he tested me to confirm I was HIV negative. Can I trust this as I’m scared to go for another test? I also have had a rash in the opening of vagina for almost 8 months, but I’m too ashamed to go and check if its some STD.
Hello Bill,
I am very sorry to hear about this assault. Have you received any support to help you deal with this?
PEP can affect the accuracy of HIV antibody tests. To be certain of your result you need to wait 28 days after finishing PEP. This should mean that your 13 week test is accurate but if you are worried it is worth contacting your clinic to clarify this. You can also read more about PEP and HIV testing here.
i was assaulted in Amsterdam 4 months ago, on return i had a screening and was given PEP. since i have had 3 hiv tests all negative, one at 3 week one at 6 and another at 13, have recently had unprotected sex with a girl who i know to be clear of all STI’s. she has recently gotten ill, with a soar throat, dizzyness, and a number of other early Hiv signs. i am scared i have infected her, although all of my tests came back negative. going to get tested again at the 5 month mark just to be sure. is the 3 month test really as accurate as people say .even if i was on Pep.
Hi Bee,
If you have tested HIV positive it is important to have a confirmation test. You do not need to wait until 12 weeks to do this. Unfortunately it is unlikely that you will test negative after a positive result- false positive tests are not common. You can read about confirmation tests here.
Do you have anybody to support you with this?
i went for hiv tests 9 weeks after the exposure to a person of unknown status and came out positive, so after 12 weeks will i see an change to my results? I am in Zimbabwe i dont know the hiv generation used to test hiv here. Pliz assist