HIV Window period
My Dr. at Mayo Clinic has told me it can take up to one year (12 mos.) for a conclusive HIV test.... Can this be because of the radiation I was exposed to? Bone imaging (nuc injection, MRI, and CAT scan.
Hi there,
Thank you for using the AIDS Vancouver Helpline as your source for all AIDS/HIV related information. Although I am unaware of your medical history I hope I will be able to provide as much clarification to your question as possible.
HIV antibody tests have a window period between 4-12 weeks and international guidelines suggest testing after 12 weeks (84 days) for conclusive results. Very few things can delay this window period and require additional testing. Unless you are currently receiving treating for hepatitis C, have some form of immunodeficiency, or are currently on post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV then test results after 12 weeks can still considered conclusive. The radiation you may have received from CAT scans or nuclear medicine should not affect this window period.
Please do not hesitate to contact us again if you have any additional questions.
Cheers,
Cameron
AIDS Vancouver Helpline Volunteer
E-mail: helpline@aidsvancouver.org
Phone (Mon-Fri 9-4pm): (604) 696-4666
Web: www.aidsvancouver.org/helpline
Disclaimer
The AIDS Vancouver Helpline is a volunteer-driven information, referral and support service related to HIV and sexual health. Volunteers are trained in active listening, HIV and sexual health information, and local resources and services. Volunteers are not doctors, nurses, or other licensed professionals. Volunteers do not give advice, and strive to provide service-users with adequate information and appropriate referrals.
Helpline volunteers uphold the agency’s confidentiality and privacy policies. Your calls, forum posts, and emails are anonymous. We welcome you to use a pseudonym or “fake name” when using Helpline services. We will not ask for or track your personal information. To ensure that the Helpline program is providing quality services, the Helpline Coordinator regularly monitors online content (forum posts and emails) and supervises volunteers who are receiving calls.
The Helpline Program should not be used in replacement of medical examination, diagnosis, advice counseling or follow-up care. We strongly recommend routine testing (HIV and STI tests) and discussing your healthcare directly with a physician.
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Comments
kissing with cut in mouth
Dear all members,
I am really worried about an exposure that i engaged in few months ago. i got some cuts inside my mouth because i bit it accidentally while eating. Few hours later in the evening i kissed a girl very deeply. Though i remember i didn't taste blood in her mouth, i doutbt that she may got some sores or cuts in her mouth and she might be bleeding a little while we were kissing. IF so, i got 2 questions
1. was i at risk
2. do i need to take a test for HIV
Please help me out with this anxiety.
Thanks in advance.
Kissing with cut in mouth
Hi there and thanks for using the AIDS Vancouver Helpline as a source for HIV/.AIDS related information.
For a risk of HIV exposure to exist, specific HIV+ fluids (i.e. semen, vaginal/anal fluids, blood) must come into direct contact with the bloodstream of an HIV- person.
If you know for sure that the cuts in your mouth were bleeding while you were deep kissing, then there would be a low risk for transmission. This means there have been a few reports of infection attributed to this activity, usually under certain identifiable conditions. In this case, the "identifiale condition" would be active bleeding in your mouth.
If there was no active bleeding there is no risk of HIV .
This being said, we do encourage all sexually active individuals be tested for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI's), including HIV, for one's own safety as well as the safety of one's partners. Depending on the individual, this may be annually, bi-annually or every 3-4 months.
I trust I have addressed your concerns however, if you have further questions, feel free to contact us again.
In Health,
Jon,
AIDS Vancouver Helpline Volunteer
Phone: 604.696.4666
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