Editing Post-exposure prophylaxis (section)

=== Testing ===
'''Initial HIV testing:''' Before initiating PEP after potential [[HIV]] exposure, persons should be tested for [[HIV1]] and [[HIV2]] antigens and antibodies in the blood using a [[rapid diagnostic test]]. PEP should only be started if rapid diagnostic test reveals no HIV infection present or if tests results are not available.  However, if HIV infection is already present then PEP should not be started. HIV testing should be repeated four to six weeks and three months after exposure.<ref name=":0" />

People may experience signs and symptoms of [[acute HIV infection]], including fever, fatigue, myalgia, and skin rash, while taking PEP. CDC recommends seeking medical attention for evaluation if these signs and symptoms occur during or after the month of PEP.  If follow-up laboratory antibody tests reveal HIV infection, HIV treatment specialists should be sought out and PEP should not be discontinued until person is evaluated and treatment plan is established.<ref name=":0" />

'''STI and HBV testing:''' People with potential exposure to HIV are also at risk of acquiring [[Sexually transmitted infection|STI]] and [[Hepatitis B virus|HBV]]. [[Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]] (CDC) recommends STI-specific nucleic acid amplification testing ([[NAAT]]) for [[gonorrhea]] and [[chlamydia]] and blood tests for [[syphilis]]. PEP is also active against HBV infections so discontinuation of medication can cause the reactivation of [[Hepatitis B virus|HBV]], though rare. Health care providers must monitor HBV status closely.<ref name=":0" />

'''Follow up testing:''' [[Serum creatinine]] and estimated [[creatinine clearance]] should be measured at baseline to determine the most appropriate PEP antiretroviral regimen. While on PEP, [[liver function tests|liver function]], [[renal function]], and hematologic parameters should be monitored.<ref name=":0" />