Question
Can I test while I am on PEP?
9 January 2022. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, HIV testing, HIV transmission, PEP/PEPSE, Side effects.
I had an exposure through an unprotected sexual encounter at which I was the insertive (top), lots of lubricants were used, and there were no ejaculations nor blood. My partner was informed that he tested positive on the second day and later knew that his viral load is less than 20,000 copies/mL. I started PEP on Thursday night (8 pm) with only Truvada (39 hours later) then started having Tivicay as well from Friday night (8 pm). I had a strong headache for a couple of days, and a fluctuating low-grade fever throughout the day. Furthermore, I am generally sleepy and I do sleep from 8 to 12 hours every day since I started PEP.
I tested for HIV AG/AB on Sunday’s night (December 26th, 2021), and the results were negative, I know it does not indicate anything relevant to the exposure but did it as baseline information. Now after 15 days the low-grade fever is back, so far maximum 37.5C, and commonly some hours (3 or 4) after taking my pills, and I can feel a lymph node under my jaw on the left side. Am I seroconverting?
I am too stressed and I cannot do anything apart from worry. Are there any tests I can do at the moment to know my status? I know I should be following up with a doctor but where I live there is a high stigma against homosexuality and HIV so I don’t dare to follow up with a doctor. Your support will be highly appreciated, as I am totally by myself in all of this.
Answer
Hi M,
How are you doing? Starting PEP as early as you did means you are within the time frame for it to be most effective. Also, being the ‘top’ further reduces your risk, as does not ejaculating and there being no presence of blood. Using lubrication further reduces risk as it reduces the risk of abrasion from friction. These factors means it is very unlikely you will test positive for HIV.
As you have mentioned, a test while on PEP is not accurate. This is because PEP can ‘mask’ HIV and will not give a true representation of your status. To be sure you will need to wait 6 weeks until after your course to know your status. In the meantime, this guide discusses feelings of fear and anxiety while awaiting results.
The symptoms you have mentioned are possible signs of seroconversion. Also they are signs of many other infections. Due to how non-specific symptoms are for HIV, it is impossible to say if you are seroconverting. If these symptoms are in association with the time you take PEP, it is more likely a side effect of the medication.
I am sorry to hear that you are in this alone. Do you have any family/friends that you are able to discuss this with? The Terrance Higgin’s Trust in the UK offer an email service that may be suitable in this instance. It is unfortunate to hear about the lack of support you are having from your doctors, but if you become increasingly concerned with your health you need to make sure you speak to them. This is the only way you can be sure of your current state of health.
If you have any further questions please get in touch,
Josh.
Hi Joice, we just answered this online:
https://i-base.info/qa/19502
Goodday i took PEP after 72hours of exposure is it going to work?
Hi Mark, the test you have mentioned is a 4th generation test. The test is only accurate 6 weeks after finishing PEP. It is a good sign that you have tested negative, however only a week after PEP ending is too early to be certain. This link explains testing windows: https://i-base.info/guides/testing/what-is-the-window-period
Hello,
Thank you for your platform really helpful.
I had an exposure more than a month ago,was put on pep.After completion,did HIV test 2 weeks after pep completion, and result was -ve.
How conclusive are this result?The hospital used Alere Determine Kit,how early can this kit detect HIV?
Thanks
Hi Nanny, this result is conclusive. PCR tests can detect the presence of HIV very early on in during infection. As you have waited after PEP this result is conclusive. You do not have HIV.
Good morning Josh.
I was exposed to HIV last year 7 November nd I immediately took PEP which I completed 7 of December. Sunday 23 January I took a Hiv PCR test laboratory blood test nd my result come back Negative. Are my results conclusive or I need to take another test?
Hi Nanny, you should count the 90 days from the last day of PEP.
Does it mean testing using antibody test I should count window period 90 from exposure, not counting from the last day of PEP.
Hi Nanny, undetectable is talking about ‘Viral Load’. This measures how active HIV is within the body. On medication, HIV can be suppressed that it is not active and viral load will become undetectable. Antibodies, after they have been made remain in the body. This is why the test will stay positive even when undetectable.
Good morning
Here I have last Question to ask.. I have read something that say if you diagnosed positive to hiv u can become undetectable when on treatment, So when u take hiv antibody test the results will remain positive right.My Question here is why we count 90 days window period from last day of PEP while undectable viral load does not mean undetectable antibodies. Is PEP going to delay or affect antibody test?
Sorry I am correcting my previous erros