Question
Are HIV tests conclusive?
15 March 2010. Related: All topics, HIV testing.
Hi there, I wanted to ask a question. I may have been exposed to HIV in the summer last year. I suffered from a fever and sweats plus I had a rash over the next few weeks and therefore took tests (antigen and antibody) at 2 and 13 weeks after this exposure. They were both negative. I just wanted to ask if this second test would be conclusive?
Thanks.
Answer
Thank you for your question.
The HIV tests available today are very accurate and false negatives are extremely rare. If you have had two negative tests and have not exposed yourself to HIV during the 13 week period or since your last test then you do not have HIV.
For information on HIV tests please see our factsheet
To remain HIV-free it is important that you take precautions in the future. For more information on how to protect yourself from HIV please follow this link