Q and A

Question

Could I really be HIV negative and do I need ART?

12 February 2023. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, HIV testing, Support.

Earlier I was wrongly diagnosed with HIV and I have been on ARV drugs.

I have tested numerous times since then but my results shows am negative.

In addition, I have not been taking my drugs on a regular basis but I still test negative.

Should I stop taking the drugs and will it have any dangerous side effects?

Answer

Answer: Simon Collins

Hi there

Thank you for which raises important questions.

Before I can give you any information though I need you to understand that I am NOT a doctor. i-Base is just a treatment information service.

Please also realise that I only know a little bit about you. HIV can be complicated and sometimes different tests are used in different countries, Sometimes the names of tests are also confusing,

For example, one of the tests used in HIV care is called a viral load test. When you are on treatment, the viral load should hopefully become undetectable. Although this viral load test cannot find HIV, you will still be HIV positive and still need to take treatment,

Please also take this website information with you when you next talk to your doctor.Then the doctor can check whether you are talking about a viral load test or an HIV antibody test.

  1. My first question is were any of these recent negative tests carried out by a doctor? If not, then please ask you doctor to do this now. Many instant HIV tests can give wrong results.
  2. If the next test is HIV negative using any HIV antibody test, please ask your doctor to run a second test at a laboratory (lab test), Even though the second test should always be done, sometimes some people start HIV treatment without this second test being done.
  3. Please then talk with your doctor about these results. If the lab test is positive, then you do have HIV and you need to still be taking HIV meds.
  4. If the lab test is negative, your doctor should check your medical notes to see if your HIV test was confirmed when you first tested positive. If the lab test is confirmed negative, then you don’t need to be taking HIV meds – BUT THIS IS A VERY RARE SITUATION.
  5. Please continue taking your current meds until your doctor has run these tests. Taking the meds is very safe until you find out the next test results.
Please also email me, If you want to, to let me know what happens. This will help me understand your situation better and it will help me with other questions that we get in the future.
best wishes
Simon

6 comments

  1. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Boniwe, for more information aobut testing please see here: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing

  2. Bongiwe •

    I only do 1 test en en I don’t understand y

  3. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Tday, an antibody test 3 months after PEP/exposure is conclusive. No further testing is required.

  4. Tday •

    I did again the antibody test came out negative at 3months
    How many times should I do these test
    Help me

  5. Josh Peasegood •

    Hi Tday, when did you complete PEP? The earliest you can test is 6 weeks after the last dose of PEP using a 4th generation test.

    As you are experiencing so many symptoms have you gone to see your doctor? How much weight have you lost?

  6. Tday •

    I need your help!
    I got exposed in January 14, 2023 been on PEP but during this period I felt sick and suddenly lost weight… I thought these where seroconvention signs and symptoms because I had the fever, nausea, vomiting, swallen grands, fatigue, night sweat, loss of appetite but I didn’t have rush…..I finished my PEP and I did an antibody test it came out neg, I was not sustisfied I did PCR test or NAT came out negative
    I am not gaining my weight back since then and my tongue has patches that appears like ulcers
    Am worried about this and I feel am not fit like I use u too.