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.
Hi Doctor,
Thanks in advance :)
HIV Antibody test negative post 62days of PEP and 90 days after exposure. Also HIV Duo Combo test negative post 24 days of completing PEP(54 days post exposure + 24 days POST PEP). Now this negative result can be conclusive?
Note: Rapid Antibody test was done in govt ICTC center and blood was taken from vein.
I have started PEP(TLE 300 + 300 + 600 MG) within 48 hours.
Hi Jonathan, is there a reason you think this is HIV and not a different infection that is much more common? HIV transmission via oral sex is very rare. This is because saliva contains anti-viral properties making it difficult for HIV to survive in saliva – this is why risk is so low.
Starting PEP as soon as you did means it has the best chance at working. PEP is effective in 80-90% of cases. It is more likely that you were not exposed to HIV. Please follow this link for more information about fear and stress around potential exposures: https://i-base.info/guides/testing/hiv-testing-feelings-of-fear-anxiety-and-guilt
Hi doctor. Someone gave me a blowjob however i was kinda terrified seeing his swollen lymph node around his ear/neck when he is done. Worried that he might be having HIV. Started my 1st dose of PEP 50 hours post risk. How likely the PEP gona works? Im on my day 20th of PEP. Mentally and physically exhausted with all the worries.
Hi Hiamnshu, this test is not yet accurate. For this test to be accurate you need to wait 6 weeks after finishing PEP. In your cause this would be 72 days post exposure.
At 4 weeks (28 days) this test would be 95% accurate. As you have tested negative at 24 days post PEP it is suggestive that you are HIV negative. But for this to be confirmed you will need a second test. Please follow this link for more information: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing
Hi Doctor,
HIV Duo Combo test negative post 24 days of completing PEP(54 days post exposure + 24 days POST PEP). this negative result can be conclusive? if it is not than how many percent chances to get false negative result?
How accurate my test is?
I have started PEP(TLE 300 + 300 + 600 MG) within 48 hours.
Hi Benjamin, this is not HIV. The tests you have done are long enough after the exposure that they are conclusive. You do not have HIV. Please speak to a doctor if you remain concerned about these rashes.
Dr, pls i was exposed to HIV after having sex with a unknow positive partner dated 04/04/2022. I started PEP on 37th hour after the exposure. I diligently took my drugs as prescribe or instructed by my health worker for 28days without missing it on a day.I tested negatived at almost 150 and 120 days (29/08/22) after the exposure and the completion of PEP respectively. Please , on a few days from today, I have seen some rashes on my skin. Please, I deeply confused now.Please,what should I do now?
Hi Ricky. Please see links from this post for info on testing.
https://i-base.info/qa/11844
Hello
Im testing ag/ab combo test after 46 days finising PEP
Did is final? Or nees more test?
And i do pcr rna test 31 daya after finising pep
All test come non reactive
Thanks
Hi Prasnath, these results are conclusive – you do not have HIV.