Hi all, I have a question for anyone that can help. I recently had a hiv antibody test about 8 week after possible infection. The test came back negative. I was relieved. During the week that I was waiting, I had no appitite, i lost weight, had diarrhea, no sleep, swollen gland and I was completely stressed out. I must have thought I had every symptom in the book or at least every one i looked up. Now that the test came back negative I still have some of these symptoms. (diarrhea, loss of weight, etc.) I was just wondering If the test is accurate at 8 weeks and should I accept that or question it and how reliable is that test? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

presuming that the antibody test was ELISA, then is could be considered accurate. However, the CDC as well as most AIDS groups recommend a thirteen week test in order for a conclusive result to be rendered. Some people even have an additional test six months after the encounter to absolutely certain. chris

I've been fighting all kind of symptoms since my encounter & i can understand ur distress.....but symptoms are just not the way to evaluate HIV, u need to test at 13 weeks for a conclusively directional result....a 6 month test is also carried out to make absolutely sure....so wait for the time & test as i did!!

thanks for all your input guys. I actually called the clinic where i got tested and asked them what test they used. it was the elisa test. hopefully the 8 week test is accurate. I really hope that these other symptoms are not hiv. It still concerns me that I lost the weight and have diahria all the time. I guess ill have to go back for another test at 3 months to make sure.

Your 8 week negative is encouraging...however do get tested at 3 months....all the best.....& do consult a doc for ur symptoms!!!