How Accurate Is A HIV Early Detection Test At 1week Post Exposure?

Posted on Sat, 28 Feb 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 28 Feb 2015 Answered on

Tue, 17 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : how accurate is a hiv early detection test at 1week

Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (30 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
What test was done?

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about this HIV concerns that you have raised. If the test used is a rapid diagnostic test that used antibodies, then it is very very unreliable and would need at least 6weeks for any meaningful results. If the test used is a PCR, then I will recommend that you wait a minimum of 3weeks for best results.

I will like to know what you fears and concerns are about this and what makes you to ask the question.

I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thanks for using our services and do feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar