Testing at 24 Days
I had an accupunture 24 days ago. I took a Rapid HIV antibody test and it came back negative. How accurate is this result?
Hi there,
Thank you for choosing AIDS Vancouver as your source for HIV/AIDS related info.
You may find it helpful to know that acupuncture with sterilized or new equipment does not put you in any risk of contracting HIV. There have been no reported cases of someone acquiring an HIV infection through acupuncture using sterile or new equipment. Even acupuncture with non-sterile equipment is considered a low risk activity. It is highly unlikely that, even if the needles were not sterile, HIV could be transmitted this way. The virus itself cannot survive for very long when exposed to oxygen outside the human body so, even if the acupuncture needle contained a small amount of HIV-infected blood, there is a very good chance that the virus would die within minutes of being exposed to the air without a host cell. Furthermore, certified acupuncture clinics must abide by special guidelines and protocols to ensure they always use sterile/new equipment, or else these clinics would be shut down pretty quickly.
The Rapid Test can detect 95% of infections with 4-6 weeks (28-42 days). That being said, you did get tested during the window period for HIV seroconversion (the time period where your body is producing antibodies to fight an HIV infection). HIV testing guidelines recommend a final, conclusive HIV test at 3 months post exposure to ensure that you are testing after the window period.
I hope you find this information useful. Please let us know if you have any further questions or concerns.
Warm regards,
Alex
AIDS Vancouver Helpline Volunteer
Direct: 604-696-4666 (M-F 9am-4pm)
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.
We would love to hear from you! If you have feedback or questions related to the operations of the Helpline, please contact David at helpline@aidsvancouver.org or by calling 604.696.4666.
Add new comment