Q and A

Question

Question on accuracy of an HIV test?

Hello doctor, I contracted gonorrhea two weeks after exposure, developed mild fever a week later and a rash on the 37th day yet tested HIV negative with a rapid hiv-1/2 test strip with blood from a vein, still have worries on its accuracy.

Answer

Hi there

Thanks.

First though, I am not a doctor. This service is run by HIV positive advocates to provide information on HIV treatment. The information is based on evidence from research and treatment guidelines.

Second, we do care about people worried about testing and transmission. But we don’t have the resources to answer these questions.

Please see:

Why doesn’t i-Base answer questions on HIV testing and transmission?
https://i-base.info/qa/11844

Thirdly, we made sure all these questions are answered online. This includes your questions.

i-Base helps HIV positive people have information to understand their own health. But this also involves people having to read and research a little. We don’t ever give advice about what to do, we provide links to information so people can make their own choices.

The same is true for people who are worried about risks of catching HIV. Or in your case, wanting to know about possible symptoms and the accuracy of HIV tests.

In your case please look at the FAQ page headings:
https://i-base.info/qa/16355

  • When can I take a test?
  • Are HIV tests accurate?
  • What about rapid test?
  • What is seroconversion? What are the symptoms?
  • Does this symptom [… rash/itch/headache etc] related to HIV?

If you read these answers yourself you will understand you health better. You will share some of the benefits that HIV positive people get from becoming more informed about your choices.

If you have got this far….

The links will hopefully explain why the rash is unlikely to be HIV. Also, why you need a different HIV test this early. Or why you need to wait a bit longer if using a rapid test.

I am sorry that this is a long answer, and not so direct. But I thought it would be better that not getting an answer at all.

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