HIV testing info/questions

So, after about 2.5 months from a risky encounter, I went in for testing. They checked me for HIV and Hep C, but they actually found antibodies for Hep B. My doctor told me it was just from getting vaccinated back when I was a kid. Anyway... I went back for another round at 3.5 months—which puts me right at the 6-month mark since the incident—and everything came back negative. The doc who wrote the referral was such an IBM! He kept complaining about why I was coming in twice and how much it costs, etc., etc. Like, man, it’s not like it's coming out of your own pocket. So, I'm wondering: is it even possible for a Hep B test to show positive the first time and then negative the second? How accurate are these tests really? Honestly, I'm more worried about the HIV negative result now, just in case there's some weird window period thing going on... I know I rambled a bit, but if anyone can help me out, I'd appreciate it. 🙂

Hmm... 🤔
I actually know someone who was told they had Hepatitis B once after a routine blood draw, and the poor soul was absolutely devastated 😲 by the news.
However, after some follow-up testing, it turned out to be a false alarm; it was likely just a mild case of Hepatitis A that didn't even show obvious symptoms, which somehow skewed that initial result.
If you haven't already, I would strongly suggest checking in with your primary care physician to get a professional opinion. As for the risky sexual behavior— please, just use your head !!! 🙂 there is no need to learn things the hard way.

It is entirely plausible that your initial Hepatitis B test returned a false positive. As for the specific accuracy percentages of these diagnostic tests, I haven't the slightest clue; you should probably just Google it 😉

What are the odds I've actually had two false negatives on an HIV test? : ///

If you aren't entirely certain about your next move, it might be wise to take a third attempt just to be safe.
I can't help but wonder if you've ever found yourself engaging in incredibly risky behavior when you're feeling this much uncertainty.😱

Jason Stewart6—it looks like you’re practically begging for an HIV diagnosis.

You’ve got proof twice already, so what else are you looking for?

You're being too pessimistic; it’s highly unlikely to get two false negatives in a row. And don't mess around with those boosters, just get re-vaccinated for B since the old shot has done all it can...

The odds of anything actually being going on after two negative tests are incredibly slim... I honestly think it’s just a little bit of paranoia and hypochondria kicking in

...you probably don't have much to worry about, really. I guess you could just do a quick Google search to see what the longest incubation period typically is and then run the math yourself. It might help to calm your nerves, just so you can convince yourself that everything is fine!

Susan Diaz91 said:Jason Stewart6... honestly, are you actually looking to catch HIV at this point?

The evidence is right there twice over, what more could anyone possibly want?

😂

Personally, one negative result was enough for me. Whether it was HIV, hepatitis, syphilis, or any of those other issues. I didn't bother going back for a second test 🤷 because was I really supposed to?

I actually know someone who holds an official license regarding HIV... so if you're interested, I can shoot you a private message with their contact info 😂.