Seroconversion, antibodies and immune system
So basically I am convinced I have HIV but just tested negative on the self test 7 weeks after potential infection, I exhibited all symptoms which are now gone. I am aware seroconversion is when the body starts making antibodies.
1. Is seroconversion over once symptoms disappear?
2. Shouldn’t I have made sufficient antibodies if my symptoms have now been gone for over 3 weeks?
3. I am also aware that 95% of people produce antibodies after 6 weeks, how many people have you heard of being the 5% and would conditions like psoriasis and that being having an overactive immune system have an affect on my ability to produce antibodies?
Thank you.
Francesca Bard, BioSure (UK) Ltd
Used on 21st November 2019
Hi Tom1, I am disappointed that you believe our answers are copy and pasted and that your question was not given a full answer. Unfortunately we are not doctors. I have never heard of that exact term however after doing some background reading i would say they are the same thing. In regards to the question regarding the week time frame, this is given as a rough idea and is the longest it should take to produce a positive line after the onset of symptoms (if caused by HIV seroconversion). Kindest regards Francesca Bard, BioSure (UK) Ltd
Tom1
Used on 21st November 2019
Hi I am still unsure on a variety of things despite asking them on here. You seem to copy and paste answers and don’t refer to the question being asked. My question was is acute/primary illness and it’s symptoms the same as seroconversion illness and if so I would have tested positive on week after? Can it take longer than a week?
Francesca Bard, BioSure (UK) Ltd
Used on 18th November 2019
Hi Tom3, if the symptoms you have experienced were a cause of HIV seroconversion then your result would have appeared positive, 7 days after the onset of seroconversion symptoms a positive line will be triggered. However there is no way of saying that it is definitely a cause of HIV until 12 weeks post exposure (conclusive negative). You will still need to retest at 12 weeks to confirm your negative result. I hope this makes sense however if I could help you in any other way please let me know. Kindest regards Francesca Bard, BioSure (UK) Ltd
Tom3
Used on 14th November 2019
Negative test at 7 weeks, had symptoms 2-4 weeks after exposure. If I was positive then is this acute illness or seroconversion illness?
Francesca Bard, BioSure (UK) Ltd
Used on 12th November 2019
Hi Tom1, I will do my best to answer your queries.
1. Seroconversion is your body producing the antibodies to HIV, some people experience symptoms and some people do not. There is no way to pinpoint whether or not the symptoms are a direct cause of HIV seroconversion.
2. If the symptoms were due to HIV seroconversion the 7 days after the onset your test would appear positive.
3. Although the result after 6 weeks is unlikely to change you will need to retest at 12 weeks to confirm the negative test result.
If there is still any doubt in your mind and you do not wish to wait till 12 weeks you can visit a GUM clinic and their tests can look for antigens as well as HIV.
I hope this has helped put your mind at rest. Kindest regards Francesca Bard, BioSure (UK) Ltd
