Question

Is a negative HIV test four weeks after PEP okay?

7 June 2023. Related: All topics, HIV testing, PEP/PEPSE, Southern Africa.

Good day.

Is it possible to test positive after testing negative after completing 28 day of PEP?

Answer

Answer: Simon Collins

Hi

In the UK, people need to wait 4 to 6 weeks after the last dose of PEP before taking a 4th generation HIV antigen/antibody test.

If this test is negative after 6 weeks, then someone is told they do not have HIV. If it is negative after 4 weeks, it means HIV is unlikely, but that a second test should confirm this after a few more weeks.

There is no point taking an HIV test as soon as you finish PEP.

This is because the PEP could just be covering up or delaying a potential infection.

This answer was updated in June 2023 from a question first posted in November 2020. This is because UK guidelines now recommend testing after 6 weeks rather than after 4 weeks.

Please see this link for more information about PEP:
https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/pep-faq

Simon.

281 comments

  1. zokay •

    Guten Tag

    Habe einen HIV-Labor Test der 4. Generation 29 Tage nach Pep gemacht, ist negativ. Aber beim Screening steht 0.34, was bedeutet das?

    Ich habe heute einen Hiv Schnelltest der 4. Generation bei einem Artz gemacht das ist genau 5 Wochen nach Pep ist auch Negativ.

    Was bedeutet das für mich jetzt?

  2. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Robin, yes this test is conclusive. You do not have HIV. After 6 weeks this test would be able to identify your status.

  3. Robin •

    Hi Doc,

    Please guide.

    I got condom broken with a female sex worker Oct22,2021 . Starter pep within 48 hours. My pep ended on 18 Nov, 2021.

    I took a combo test & viral load test on 06Jan2022 both came negative. Should I get myself tested again.

    Robin

  4. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Vins, the medication you have been given together form TLD. TLD is a recommended combination drug to be used as PEP. You have been given the right medication.

  5. Vins •

    Doctor suggested me spegra tablet for PEP, is it a right medicine?
    Ingredients:
    DOLUTEGRAVIR 50 mg+EMTRICITABINE 200 mg+Tenofovir Alafenamide 25 MG

  6. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Bobby, a test after this long is conclusive. You are HIV negative. You can move on.

  7. Bobby •

    Hi Josh.
    I have tested Negative 6 weeks post pep as you have advised.

    Can I move on now?

  8. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Bobby, it is good news that you have tested negative at 4 weeks but it is not conclusive. At home tests are less accurate for newly established infections. This link explains the window periods for different tests and which you can take now: https://i-base.info/guides/testing/what-is-the-window-period In the UK a 4th generation Antigen/Antibody test would be considered conclusive 6 weeks after completing a course of PEP. At 4 weeks it would be 95%. This means it is not likely you will test positive in the future but you will need a confirmatory test.

  9. Bobby •

    I tested negative with an alere determine hiv 1 hiv2 antibody test 4WEEKS POST PEP.

    Am I cleared now ?

  10. Alota •

    Read your answer. Was very delighted. You can’t imagine the load you just helped me. I’m 24 days post pep. Just tested and I’m still negative.
    Pray no seroconversion happens these 4 days left .