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 Antonio, yes your results are conclusive. You do not have HIV.
For more information about transmission please see here: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing
Hi I had unprotected sex with my partner and after six weeks I went for test which was negative. After taking pep for 30 days I went for another test 65 days after pep and I was again negative. Is that conclusive. I’m still feeling symptoms and my nails are changing color to reddish-brown.
Hi Mokgadi, your result is not accurate. As you had taken PEP for 2 weeks this will delay the time you can test by 2 weeks.
A the generation test will be conclusive 6 weeks after the last dose of PEP. This means you will need to test 8 weeks after the day of exposure. This result will then be conclusive.
I took pep for 2 weeks after I decided to stop because my exposure was not high risk after a week I did hiv test using hiv/abp24 and it was negative it has been 4 weeks since my exposure is my result accurate
Hi Francis, your test is conclusive. You do not need any further tests, you are HIV negative.
Hi Josh, I had unprotected sex with a lady on the night of 15 June and on 16 we both test with a rapid test and the lady turned out positive while my test come out negative. I was put on pep on the 17 morning. It was before 48 hours had elapsed. Which I took for 30 days. I again tested with a rapid test after pep at 30 days and at 90 days at clinic, which were both negative. Today I am 106 days after pep(three months after pep), is my test conclusive or do I need to wait until 6 months. I am having alot of burning sention on my groins. But I don’t have swollen lymph nodes.
Hi Ali, as you had a 4th generation test more than 42 days after the last dose of PEP your results are conclusive.
You do not have HIV. Your current symptoms are not caused by HIV. Please speak to a doctor about any ongoing symptoms you have to investigate for further causes.
Hey josh I had causal contact with hiv positive person and started pep.After pep finishing pep I took 4th generation lab test on 57th day and 3rd generation rapid tests (Sd Gold , Determine kit)on 87th day and they were negative.I am having frequent mouth ulcers and stomach pain.What should I do?
Hi Chris, as you have completed your course of PEP you need to wait to test. You can test as early as 6 weeks after the last dose of PEP. This will need to be done with a 4th generation test and your result will be conclusive.
Please see here for more information about stress and anxiety around testing: https://i-base.info/guides/testing/hiv-testing-feelings-of-fear-anxiety-and-guilt
Hi Doc,
I’m Chris, 23. Aug 8 I had unprotected sex with a Massage center girl, I got feared and the very next day I started a 3drug mixer PEP, even though I had HIV anxiety I made my 1st test 22nd day of exposure, and the result was negative, But I finished my PEP. After the PEP I got little itches and one tiny mouth ulcer and redness in the penis foreskin and glans (not permanent one- it comes and goes, not itchy) What could I do now? .