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. Is my negative HIV ag/ab test conclusive at 45 days post exposure, my exposure was kissing on cheeks and neck. Thanks
Hi Selus, what was the test you used? If you used a 4th generation test you would not need further testing. These are accurate from 6 weeks post PEP. Other tests require 3 months before testing. Please follow this link for more information: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing
I had completed pep and tested negative after 2 month.Should i further test?
Hi Andre, if you used a 4th generation test your result is conclusive. You are HIV negative and no further testing is required. Please follow this link for further information: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing
Tested negative 75 days after risky sex and 44 days after last pep pill, is this conclusive? Thank you
Hi Sunny, a 4th generation test more than 6 weeks after PEP is conclusive. You do not have HIV. You do not need any further testing.
Hi, I got an exposure and went on PEP for 30 days, tested negative after 90 days post exposure and and 49 days post pep, so how accurate is my test using a 4th generation test kit.
Hi Bruce, do you know what type of test you did? If it was a fourth generation antigen/antibody test your result is conclusive. If it was an at home 3rd generation test you will need to test again in 10 days.
Testing negative at 80 days means you are very likely to be HIV negative. But depending on the test you have taken it is best to be sure. Please follow this link for more information about testing and transmission: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing
tested 2 weeks after exposure it was negative and tested again 80 days after exposure and it was negative. Is this conclusive or there in need to run other tests. Worried i am feeling symptoms all over
Hi Himanshu, yes your results are conclusive. You are HIV negative. Please follow this link for more information: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing