What Is The Window Period For HIV Test?

Posted on Sat, 20 Sep 2014

Question: Hello Doctor.I am XXXXX(33 yrs old male) from XXXXXXX On 5th May,2014 I had unprotected sex twice i.e. without condom with a 23 yrs.old female,whose HIV status was unknown to me.In the
month of July,2014 I came to know that she was quite ill,having mouth ulcers,continuous extreme weakness,pinkish rashes on her back,swollen glands in the neck,vomiting etc.I became shocked.Still I am unaware about her HIV status.How ever I went for the HIV test on 8th August,2014 i.e. 94 days after my exposure(On the 95 th day).The doctor took the blood from my arm and did One Step Rapid HIV test and the result was negative.After 5th May 2014 I didn't have sex with any body.
In true sense I am still afraid.Should I go for another painful test that disturbed me a lot, after 6 months of exposure i.e. in November,2014 or end this horrible chapter here only.
Please suggest. Thanks

Answered by Dr. Surendiran Gaj (28 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
RT-PCR

Detailed Answer:
Hello there,
Nice to meet you here,

The window period (the duration of time taken for the visibility of antibody against the HIV virus) usually ranges from 9 days to 6 months, and it is the crucial period during HIV infection.

So, it is advised to go for a test at the end of sixth month to get completely relieved of worries, since you have not known about your partner status.

One step Rapid HIV test may show false negative results. So it is advised to do an RT-PCR (Recombinant technology polymerase chain reaction) the most reliable and definite test for HIV status.
Nothing to worry if the test is found negative, and try to practice safe sex in future.
Take care.

Hope helped you,
Regards,
Dr.surendiran gaj.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj