Q and A

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. Agatha •

    I got exposed to hiv sperm all over my vagina. though there was no penetration. Also, the hiv positive person wore a condom, however when he was at the entrance of my vagina, he ejaculated and his sperm got out of the condom unto my vagina. I cleaned it with tissue and little water then I insisted he got tested. His test came out to be positive. I rushed to the clinic and got on pep 10 hours after exposure. Am on day 13 on pep and I have had no major side effects except for a little diarrhea, loss of appetite and taste.?

  2. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi, yes your test is conclusive. You do not have HIV and you do not need any more tests.

    For more information please see here: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing

  3. Sam •

    Hi, I have tested negative at 106 days post exposure (78 days post PEP completion). The test was HIV 1 and 2 antibody with p24 antigen. Is this conclusive?

  4. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi AZeD, yes your tests are conclusive. You do not have HIV. You do not need any more tests.

    Please see here for more information: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing

  5. AZeD •

    Hi.
    I was exposed on 15 April and started PeP for 28 Days. Have been testing using Antibody test every month. My last test was on 15 August and it was negative.
    Are my negative tests using antibodies test after four months from exposure conclusive?

  6. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Amrit, yes stress can cause these symptoms. If they continue you should speak with your doctor. They are not caused by HIV as you have had a conclusive test.

  7. Amrit •

    Hi Josh

    I donated blood. Although if blood bank would find anything they will contact me. They hiv rna test on every blood sample collected.
    But my concern is I am getting swollen lymph nodes under my armpit and neck region. I am having night sweats as well. Is this because I am overthinking. Can stress cause lymph node to swell?

  8. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Brings, yes your test is conclusive. You are HIV negative.

  9. Brings •

    I’ve tested Nagative 6 weeks after pep with the 4th Gen test , HOPE MY RESULT IS CONCLUSIVE ?

    Started PEP 17th June .

    I WANT to encourage everyone to remain calm after taking pep and you see those symptoms, it’s just the meds Reactng . PEP is safe .

    Reach out to your Doctors for further information.

  10. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Amrit, as your test is conclusive you do not need to wait. You can donate blood now.