You Do Not Have HIV Infection
Based on your extensive testing timeline extending well beyond 326 days post-exposure with consistently negative results across multiple test modalities, you definitively do not have HIV infection. 1
Why Your Results Are Conclusive
Testing Window Periods and Your Timeline
Your testing far exceeds all diagnostic windows for HIV detection:
4th generation tests detect both HIV antibodies and p24 antigen with a diagnostic window of only 11-14 days post-infection, and you tested negative at 28,29,31,32,42,58,75,95,120,130,160, and 276 days. 1
The CDC explicitly states that multiple negative tests after 94 days are conclusive in ruling out HIV infection, and your testing extends to 326 days. 1
HIV antibody is detectable in at least 95% of patients within 6 months after infection, and you have tested negative well beyond this timeframe. 2, 3
Your qualitative RNA PCR at 105 days directly detects the virus itself (not antibodies), providing additional confirmation of no infection. 2, 1
Multiple Test Modalities Strengthen Confidence
You employed several complementary testing approaches:
Fourth-generation antibody/antigen combination tests at numerous time points (the most sensitive screening method available). 2, 1
Viral load testing at 14 and 31 days would detect acute infection when viral loads are highest (typically >100,000 copies/mL in acute infection). 2, 4
Qualitative RNA PCR at 105 days directly detects viral genetic material. 2
Western blot at 176 days is a highly specific confirmatory test. 3
Antibody testing at 99 and 326 days captures any delayed seroconversion (which is extraordinarily rare). 2, 3
The combination of multiple negative tests at different intervals, especially with negative nucleic acid testing after 94 days, confirms no infection with absolute certainty. 1
Your Symptoms Are Not From HIV
Acute Retroviral Syndrome Timing
Acute HIV infection symptoms typically occur 2-4 weeks after exposure (14-28 days), not starting at 28 days and persisting to 90 days as you describe. 4
Your viral load tests at 14 and 31 days were negative, which would have detected acute infection when viral loads are extremely high (typically 10^5 to 10^7 copies/mL). 2, 4
Acute HIV infection is characterized by very high viremia that would be easily detected by the tests you performed during your symptomatic period. 4
Alternative Explanations
Your prolonged flu-like symptoms and abdominal cramps from days 28-90 are inconsistent with acute HIV infection and suggest:
- A separate viral illness (influenza, EBV, CMV, or other common infections). 4
- Gastrointestinal infection causing both systemic and abdominal symptoms.
- Anxiety-related somatic symptoms (extremely common after perceived HIV exposure).
No Further Testing Is Needed
The CDC explicitly recommends no further testing unless there is new exposure to the virus. 1
Common Pitfall to Avoid
Continued testing beyond established diagnostic windows can paradoxically increase anxiety and the risk of false-positive results:
False-positive results can occur even with high signal-to-cutoff ratios, particularly in low-prevalence populations or with repeated testing. 5
Your pretest probability is now zero based on your extensive negative testing, making any future positive result far more likely to be a false positive than a true positive. 6
Your Hepatitis Testing
Your negative results for:
- Hepatitis C at 206 days (antibody detectable within 4-10 weeks of infection). 2
- HBsAg at 90 days (detectable within 1-9 weeks of infection). 2
These results definitively rule out hepatitis B and C transmission from your exposure.
Final Recommendation
You can be completely reassured that you do not have HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C from your exposure one year ago. 1 No additional testing is warranted unless you have a new exposure. If your symptoms persist, seek evaluation for other medical conditions unrelated to HIV.