Question
Is a negative HIV test four weeks after PEP okay?
7 June 2023. Related: All topics, HIV testing, PEP/PEPSE, South Africa.
Good day.
Is it possible to test positive after testing negative after completing 28 day of PEP?
Answer
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.
Hello doc, had a risk of exposure on 24/may started pep on 55th hour, tested negative for 4gen test and rna pcr on 44th day post exposure and 15th day post pep completion. Again done 4th gen testing on 75th day which is 46th day post completion and the results is non reactive. Please confirm if my results are conclusive and any further tests needed. All tests done in India.
i got tested with 3rd gen alere determine on 150days post pep
Hi Kitamirike, as you waited more than 90 days post PEP this result is conclusive.
Hi Gilbert, no they are not conclusive. A 4th generation combo test is only conclusive from 6 weeks after PEP (10 weeks after exposure). Earlier results, while being suggestive of your status, will be unable to confirm your result.
Hi,
Are 4th gen HIV combo Ab/Ag negative results at 15 days and 30 days post 28-days PEP course (43 and 58 days after exposure) consider conclusive?
Hi Kitamirike, testing this long after an exposure with an antibody test is conclusive. You do not have HIV. There is no reason for you to be worried. No further tests are needed.
for me, i was exposed on hiv on 16 nov 2021 and went on pep for 28days but i tested on 29 dec {neg},with determine antibody and 15 may 2022 with the same antibody test but still am worried, i don’t know whether my test is conclusive
Hi Richmond, a 3rd generation test will be conclusive 90 days post PEP. Testing negative at 80 days is a very good indicator of your status but a second test in 10 days will be needed.
80 days Negative Post PEP using 3rd Generation Alere determine Test kit..
Can i now take my mind off it pls?
Hi, any test you do after 3 months of finishing PEP will be conclusive – you are HIV negative.
Do you the name of the pink and blue pills you took? TLD would have been sufficient for PEP. There was no reason to extend your course as while on PEP it acts like PrEP for any further exposures.
Have you seen a doctor about your symptoms? There are many causes that could be the reason – it is not HIV. Have these been ongoing since starting the treatment?