What Is The Window Period Of HIV Antibody Test?

Posted on Sat, 22 Nov 2014

Question: What is the correct window period of HIV Antibody Test? Is it 3 months or 6 months.

I had HIV antibody test after 129 days of possible exposure. Is it a confirmed test? Shall I rule out possibility of HIV or I have to do further tests?

Note: It was Vitros ECi, XXXXXXX and XXXXXXX automated instrument.

Answered by Dr. Arun (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
HIV negative, confirmation by PCR can be done..

Detailed Answer:
Hello G XXXXXXX
Thank you for asking query.
I am Dr Arun Tank, Infectious Disease Specialist, answering your query.

- Window period of HIV is three months. But it can go up to year and even more in very rare cases.

- Antibody test of HIV after three month is considered to be confirmative. But antibody tests do have some limitation and false negative and false positive results can be possibility in very minor cases.

- There are tests available called Nucleic Acid Amplification Test or PCR test, this is the most confirmative tests available and can be done in cases of doubt.

- Can you upload a result for me to help you further?

I will be happy to answer your further query.
Thank you for your contact to HCM.
Dr Arun Tank
Infectious diseases specialist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Arun (6 hours later)

Please see attached report. First let me clarify my exposures. 1st incident was on 18th XXXXXXX 2014 when the condom slipped during sex with CSW.
2nd incident on 22nd May. It was protective sex ( i checked the condom) with deep throat kissing with the same csw.

Waiting for your reply.

Answered by Dr. Arun (26 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please reattach report.

Detailed Answer:
Hello G XXXXXXX
Thanks for the response.

I don't see any reports attached. Kindly upload the reports again. Alternatively you can mail the report to YYYY@YYYY with subject as "Attn: Dr. Arun Tank".

Thank you,
Dr. Arun Tank

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Arun (25 minutes later)

Please check now.
I want to inform you that after the first incident (Condom slipped),I went through 6 antibody tests at 11 dyas, 37 days, 45 days, 100 days, 143 days and 254 days all came out negative.
After 2nd incident (protected sex with deep kissing), I went through 2 antibody tests, at 19 days and 130 days. As mentioned above all negative. Latest test report attached herewith.
What is the possibility of my HIV status?

Answered by Dr. Arun (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Congratulation for HIV negative...

Detailed Answer:
Hello G XXXXXXX

- As you have tested several times and probably with different test type every time. So there is no chance of HIV. You are surely HIV negative.

- There is no need to test you again. Consider your self HIV negative. Forget the incidence and HIV.

I will be happy to answer your further query alternatively you can contact me on bit.ly/DrArun.
Wish you a best health at healthcaremagic.

Thank you,
Dr Arun TANK
Infectious diseases specialist
If your query is resolved close the answer and rate me.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju

Follow up: Dr. Arun (2 hours later)

Thanks,
Just one more doubt to clear, because of my allergic condition ENT specialist gave me Seroflo inhaler. I was taking it two puffs a day for one month and then one puff a day for one month. I stopped taking before my April HIV antibody test, which was done from SRL. Can it affect the result?
My latest lab was ISO approved lab and they used automated J&J instrument for 4th Generation (Only antibody not antigen) test. Almost 5 months before I stopped taking Seroflo. Can it affect the test? Is the lab OK (report attached)?

Regards

Answered by Dr. Arun (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Test report not affected by seroflo..

Detailed Answer:
Hello G XXXXXXX

- Seroflo inhaler won't affect the test result anyhow because you put a good space in between testing and put inhalation.

- The laboratory you tested is good one, approved by BARC, XXXXXXX So there is not a problem with a laboratory. You can conclude your self as a HIV negative.

I will be happy to answer your further concern, kindly ask me or alternatively you can contact me on bit.ly/DrArun

Wish you a best health at healthcaremagic.
Thank you,
Dr Arun Tank
Infectious diseases specialist
If your query is resolved kindly close the answer and rate me.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari

Follow up: Dr. Arun (52 minutes later)

Before you mentioned that hiv antibody test is final after 6 months. How much confirmed my 4 months 2 weeks antibody test is?

Answered by Dr. Arun (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
many neg. results is sure, oral sex not cause HIV.

Detailed Answer:
Hello G XXXXXXX

- Test after three month is considered to be confirmative & not after six months. It cannot detect in only few exceptional cases, where it can go up to six months. Since you have undergo multiple tests, you are confirm HIV negative.

- Oral sex won't cause HIV. Saliva contains inhibitor substance that prevents HIV transmission.

I will be happy to answer your further queries alternativly you can contact me on bit.ly/DrArun

Thank you,
Dr. Arun Tank
Infectious diseases specialist.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj