Question 1

I had unprotected sex with a sex worker. My HIV RNA PCR test at 28 days was not detected, my HIV antibody test at 86 days was non reactive, and my CD4 count at 87 days is 503 cells per microL, with CD8 count 685 cells per microL. Could you please help me understand if these results confirm that I am HIV negative, or if I should take any further tests or precautions?

Question 2

Why do I see a pink horizontal line near the p55, p31, and gp41 regions on my Western blot test, but it does not look like a proper band? My report says no bands were detected and that I am negative. I asked two doctors who are not sexologists, and they said it is nothing to worry about and the pink line might be something else. My previous TriDot test was also negative. The lab said that bands need to be clearly formed to be positive, and in my case, no bands appeared. Can I be sure that these results are accurate? My exposure was 8 years ago, but I still have many symptoms of AIDS.

Question 3

I had unprotected oral sex 7 days ago with someone who said they have a low CD4 count, so I am worried they might be HIV positive. I started PEP at around 69 to 70 hours after the incident and have been taking it for 4 days. Now, I have symptoms like intermittent fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, rash, and joint pain (especially in the knees). Are these symptoms due to HIV infection or side effects of the medicine? My initial test was negative, when should I get tested again?

What does exposure mean? Which period counts as the exposure period? Also, what is the window period, and is three months sufficient for a conclusive HIV test result?

HIV window period refers to time between exposure and test detectability. Most tests are accurate at 3 months. If 90 days post exposure test is negative (4th gen ELISA or PCR), HIV is ruled out.

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