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. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Frac, your tests are conclusive. A 4th generation test is conclusive from 6 weeks after the last dose of PEP. You do not require any further tests to confirm your status.

    Testing: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing

  2. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Unknown, for information about transmission please see here: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing

  3. unknown •

    hi, i had protected sex with a sex worker, however i had shaved my penis and pubic area 2/3 hours before the intercourse, so im not sure if the whole shaft was covered, bc there are articles in the web saying that, shaving can cause micro wounds so increase the chance of transmission, anyway, i took the pep, after finishing pep i teseted negative for antibody, however my skin is always warm, and i got sore throat for 3 4 times, is it possible that i got the hiv? thnks a lot

  4. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi John, your results are conclusive. You are HIV negative. You do not need any further tests.

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

  5. John •

    Hello, I was exposed to HIV on 1july this year.Took PEP Truvada only for the whole of July. Been test every month and the results have been negative. Today It’s 4months post exposure and 3months post PEP and i tested negative with an antibody HIV test. My question is,; can this test be conclusive?
    As a human am always worried.. please help me

  6. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Lev, you should test 6 weeks AFTER PEP is done.

  7. Lev •

    Hi I wanted to ask, I still confused when should I get tested for HIV.
    Right now I’m taking PEP and before that I was tested and Came out – negative

    Should I Take another test after 6 week OR 6 Week after the PEP is done?
    Thanks in advance.

  8. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Keletso, dry blood carries no risk of transmission.

    After PEP, you can test as early as 6 weeks from the last dose using a 4th generation test to confirm your status.

  9. Keletso •

    Hyy Josh I took pep for only two weeks coz I was freaking out but they told me that contacting dry blood hiv won’t affect me it has been two weeks after my last dose of pep can I go to test with a rapid test

  10. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Shay, it is encouraging that these tests have all been negative. Are you able to access a 4th generation test? Often these can be done at local health clinics. These tests will be able to give you a conclusive result without you needing to wait the 12 weeks.

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