« Go Back

Rapid hiv test accuracy after oral sex


I received oral sex from my occasional partner (cunilingus + fingering) on October 23, 2011. I had a rapid hiv test on Wednesday, 11.1.2011 which was negative. Is it sufficient ? Can i move on ?
Thanks for your reply.


Hi There,
Thank you for using the AIDS Vancouver Helpline as your source for HIV/AIDS related information. I hope the following information will provide you with the answers you're looking for.
Both receiving oral sex and fingering are considered negligible risks for the transmission of HIV. While it is theoretically possibly for HIV transmission to occur during these practices there has never been a confirmed report.
The only way to know your status for sure is to get tested so it's great to hear that you did! The Rapid Test is able to detect 95% of infections within 4-6 weeks and is 99.6% accurate after 12 weeks. Although it is highly unlikely that you are HIV+ after this encounter, if you are at all concerned you could consider re-testing as 1 week post-exposure is generally not enough time for your body to develop enough antibodies to the virus for accurate detection.
With that said we do recommend that anybody who is sexually active to have regular tests for both HIV and STIs.
Please let us know if we can provide any more information. Or if you would like to call and speak to someone at the Helpline, you can do so anonymously and confidentially by calling 640.696.4666, Monday to Friday between 9am-4pm.
AIDS Vancouver Helpline Volunteer
604.696.4666, Monday-Friday 9am-4pm PST