Question
When can I test after PEP?
23 July 2022. Related: All topics, HIV testing, PEP/PEPSE.
I have used Trenvir as PEP. After 7 days of exposure and now at 30 days I tested negative for HIV has worked?
Answer
Hi, how are you doing?
While on PEP, HIV tests are not accurate.
A 4th generation test is the most common test used to confirm HIV status. These tests are accurate from 6 weeks after finishing PEP – 10 weeks from initial exposure.
It is a good sign that you have been testing negative, but to confirm you still need to wait.
Josh.
Hi Missy, when you use PEP it will be 12 weeks from the last dose of PEP.
I’m confused is it 12 weeks from exposure or 12 weeks from last dose of pep for a rapid test?
Hi Missy, using a 4th generation antigen/antibody test you will need to wait 6. Using a regular 3rd generation antibody test you will need to wait 12 weeks.
How long after the last dose of pep do you need to wait to take a rapid hiv test
Hi Sujan, for a combo test to be conclusive the test should be done 6 weeks after the last dose of PEP.
I took combo test 12 days after PEP and it came negative. Is it accurate?
Dear CZA, please see this link for accurate infor about PEP:
https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/pep-faq
And this link for accurate info about HIV, risk, and testing.
https://i-base.info/qa/11844
Please also see this link about anxiety and worry which is common.
https://i-base.info/guides/testing/hiv-testing-feelings-of-fear-anxiety-and-guilt
Hi Josh,
This might sound ridiculous, but my anxiety is taking grip over me to the level of suicidal thoughts.
I was exposed to HIV with CSW in form of unprotected oral sex. She performed the felatio on me (i am male). Day (23hours) after the exposure i started Truvada and Raltegravir as PEP. In weeks 3,4,5 and 41,6 days after last PEP dose i was tested by 4th gen ab / ag all with negative results.
My doctor order me to come for follow up check in wk8 post PEP, which was today. She also gave me next appointment for another test which is in 13weeks post PEP.
Are there any chances that the test results will change?
Secondly, my 2 years old son had recently fever. It was just for 1 day and then it was gone (might be his teeth). We have only causual contact such as moving him to stroller, car, etc … This idea of transmitting potentionaly it on him scares me the most of all. Am i being really paranoid here?
Thank you a lot for patience with my query and for your reply.
Hi Sumit – some guidelines still use 12 weeks but 8 weeks after the last PEP with a 3rd generation test is ok. Please read the details about the type of test carefully. This is just the minimum time. We never talk about waiting for 6 months.
Thanks for you reply.
But it’s confusing in factsheet you mentioned that wait for 8 weeks for the result and in my previous comments you replied early than 12 weeks is not reliable.
Please just cleary used my 12 weeks from the last dose of pep and 16 weeks from the exposure antibody only test is conclusive or not . Or still need to wait till 6 months.
I am really confused and worry. Please clearly give your answer which help to make myself clam.