Hello doctor,I had protected vaginal sex and unprotected oral sex with CSW and for peace of mind, I tested with HIV fourth generation duo combo (Ag/Ab) test and RT PCR viral load test at 23 days from exposure. The fourth generation combo test came negative and RT-PCR viral load came below the detectable limit. Can my test be conclusive? Am I risk-free from HIV?
Hi. Protected sex is safe as far as risk of HIV is concerned. Insertive or sex has a negligible risk of transmission of HIV. As far as testing is concerned, only a four-week fourth generation HIV screening test is considered reliable. Though even that has to be followed up by a 12-week screening test for a conclusive result. RNA PCR (polymerase chain reaction) is a very sensitive test early on after possible infection. A negative test at 23 days is fairly conclusive. A fourth-generation HIV screening test has a window period ranging from 18 to 45 days. Whereas RNA PCR has a short window period of 9 to 13 days. Therefore both the tests taken together reliably excludes the risk of HIV.  For more information consult an HIV AIDS specialist online -->