Question 1

For the past two years, my lymphocyte count has been high, around 46 percent of my total WBC. Recently, I had another CBC test, and both my lymphocyte and WBC counts are coming down. About two years ago, I had a sexual exposure, after which I did multiple HIV antibody tests, including one 1.5 years later, all of which were negative. These tests were conducted at three different certified laboratories. Could my past high lymphocyte count be related to HIV? Is it possible that all my HIV test results were false negatives even after 18 months? I am feeling extremely anxious, am I free from HIV, or should I be concerned?

Question 2

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?

Question 3

I had unprotected sex with a sex worker. After 28 days, I took an HIV RNA PCR test, which came back as not detected. However, after 80 days, I took a Western blot test, and the result was positive.

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.

More HIV-1 RNA PCR - QUALITATIVE Health Queries

I had unprotected sex with a sex worker. After 28 days, I took an HIV RNA PCR test, which came back as not detected. However, after 80 days, I took a Western blot test, and the result was positive.