Please, please help - HIV Prevention Message Board

help6363 · 07-24-2003, 01:43 PM

Hello
I'm sorry ... this is my second posting. Why? I'm worried about false negatives. Four years ago I had lots and lots of unprotected sex, then I met my b/friend and last week we were tested for HIV cause we want to start a family - we are both negative! Is there any chance my/our test is wrong? I have not engaged in any high risk behaviour for 4 years and nor has my b/friend (I hope). Thank you - I'm sorry to ask this but a lot of stuff on the Interent has informed me that loads of false negatives occur.

maybe helpful · 07-24-2003, 01:51 PM

I posted an answer under your original post, check there.

Im going to look right now for some more info about false negatives, and see what reliable sources I can find!

help6363 · 07-24-2003, 01:53 PM

Thank you - you are wonderful

maybe helpful · 07-24-2003, 02:01 PM

Ok, I checked these websites: AIDSLINE, The San Francisco Ais Foundation and MediLine on Reproductive Health. A quote from the last one is:

"The most frequent reason for a false negative result is a test done during the window period before the person has antibodies. It is important to remember that someone who has tested negative because they are not infected with HIV can become infected the following day if they indulge in risky sexual behaviour!"

And all the other site said the same thing. False Negative is a result of timing, but not because the test are insufficent. Since its been 4 years, you can be SURE you are not in the window period of 3-6 months. You are in the clear!!