instruction: hello doctor I am in 24th day post possible hiv exposure it was a broken condom with a sex worker on day I started experiencing pain in my legs which has continued until this day I have also gone through a period of intense stomach gurgling and shoulder and neck pain I have monitored my temperature and have been normal until yesterday on day 23 where I woke up to 100 degree temperature that lasted all day last night I experienced bed sweats I did an hiv ran tea test by labcorp at day and 16 both are negative can I have comfort in the results of these tests as being negative I plan to retest but I am getting conflicting answers on the timing and accuracy of this test the most recent consultation said these tests were the best out there and I can rely on the results I have your professional opinion is much appreciated
output: hi the test which you underwent on day and 16 was definitely the best available test for that duration and you can surely rely upon the results this test is highly sensitive for this duration to catch the infection if there had been any exposure as far as the timing of this test is concerned it is conclusive as early as 14 days post infection unlike the other tests this will always give a positive result as long as there is hiv in someone is blood also if there had been an hiv infection hiv antibodies must be present in the person blood studies have shown that the majority of the hiv antibodies develop in two to eight weeks period if there had been any exposure to hiv furthermore I suggest you to undergo an hiv antibody test also and at this time you can undertake fourth generation hiv rapid test this is again a highly sensitive and specific test and gives accurate result if the same is negative then you repeat the rapid hiv antibody test at three months I hope this helps