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What Is The Ideal Window Period To Test For STD?

Posted on Mon, 14 Nov 2016

Question: Hi sir,I am XXXX..i have unprotected sex with sex worker before 4.5 months.and Ihave tested for hiv duo test and another std profile test.all are negative only.but what i hears hiv window period is 3 months only..So whether am i safe doctor..but i read some website hiv window period is 6 months and another conversion told there is no fixed window period..please clarify my doudt doctor..my anxitety killing me

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Window period for HIV is up to 12 weeks after the exposure.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to HCM.
Thanks for posting your query.
Window period for HIV is 6-8 weeks after the risky exposure and it may be extended up to 12 weeks in some individuals. This is the rule. If your HIV tests are non-reactive even after 12 weeks after the exposure, then you are free from HIV infection beyond any doubt.
Individuals on steroids or other immunosuppressive drugs would likely be extended the window period up to 6 months. It is not correct if any body says that the window period is not fixed.
When your HIV tests are non-reactive after 3 months, then you are free from HIV infection.
Dr S Murugan

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

Follow up: Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (1 hour later)

Hi,Thanks sir,my fear is almost very heavy..thanks for your feedback doctor..i am feel free now..and i thought that i am ok for sometime and my thought came back,and i am still in somewhat dangerous position,becausw when i opened net and searched about window period it shown some different stories like delayed conversion ,late conversion so again my fear is going up..i lost my regular activities about 5 month.i am reading most of hours reading about hiv..i really feel like that my one time encounter mistake,its totllay takes out my life.my last question sir,is there any late conversion possible is there doctor..

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
You are free from HIV infection

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
I am in the field of HIV medicine for the past 28 years. I am also updating my knowledge continuously by attending and sharing in many national and international conferences. So you can trust me. You are free from HIV infection. Late seroconversion is quite unlikely.
Dr S Murugan

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (14 minutes later)

Thanks sir..i am really high confident now sir..thank you very much sir once again..

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You are most welcome

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
You are welcome always. If you have any other questions you can ask me at any time.
Dr S Murugan

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

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