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What Is The Window Period For HIV Test?

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Posted on Fri, 7 Nov 2014
Question: At 6 weeks will a rapid test detect hiv my only high risk is having a urethral dilation not sure how sterilized instruments were procedure was done at Dr office really nervous
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (31 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
window period is 3 months

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks using healthcare magic

The window period for the different HIV tests vary.

The window period of a test is the time from infection till when a test can accurately determine if an infection is present or not.

The window period of the rapid test is up to 3 months. Some persons may show evidence of infection prior to this time but for this test, to be completely accurate, the test should be done after a 3 month interval.

There are HIV tests that have shorter window periods that you can consider such as the RNA tests or the PCR.
The window period of the RNA is 1 to 3 weeks and the PCR is also 3 weeks.

You can consider having one of these done if possible. At this time , they would be able to give you a definitive answer.

IF this is not an option then you may want to wait till the 3 month mark to do the rapid test.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (28 minutes later)
Is my risk mentioned before a high risk factor is it possible to get his from a urethral dilation if instrument was not sterilized
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (16 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
risk is very very low

Detailed Answer:
HI

HIV can only survive under certain conditions outside of the body.

It drys in the environment and there is a significant reduction in the levels of HIV on the particular surface. There is a 90 to 99% reduction in levels of HIV over a few hours.

This means that if it was used hours or days prior, if HIV had been present, most if not all would be gone.

The risk is very very low but if you want to sure you can do the test.

Please feel free to ask anything else
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (16 minutes later)
has there ever been any cases where hiv was transmitted in medical settings
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (15 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
no known documented

Detailed Answer:
HI

The risk is mostly potential, medical information states that there is a low risk of this occurring but the exact numbers or cases that it may have occurred are not stated.

With universal precautions and sterilization, there is very little chance though you are not sure if the instruments were sterilized, it is routine procedure.

It is understandable to be concerned but the only way to definitely determine if the virus was transmitted is by testing.

You can ask anything else if there are any other queries
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (11 minutes later)
in your medical opinion should i be concern also are cystoscopy and dilation carry the risk of transmissions just trying to get well informed
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (9 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
not likely

Detailed Answer:
HI

NO, it do not think that there is any measurable risk of transmission of the virus in this way mainly because : (1)virus does not survive long in environment
(2)the chances are the equipment was sterilized

Hope this reassures you
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (24 hours later)
thank you for your responses what can cause me to think that my doctor didnt sterilized instruments i know this is off the subject
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
may be appearance or packaging

Detailed Answer:
HI

I am not sure what would have caused you to believe the instruments were not sterilized.
It may be related to the appearance of the instruments or absence of packaging.

In preparation for a procedure, the instruments are normally sterilized then would have been removed from any packaging and placed on the instrument table in preparation for use.

You can feel free to ask any additional questions if still concerned
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (38 hours later)
I just didnt see instruments open infront of me is it common for dr to open package in front of pt also is it common for urethral procedures done in dr office
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (12 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
yes can be done

Detailed Answer:
HI

Yes, procedures can be done in the office if the doctor has set up to office in this way.
This is done in quite a few specialties.

In addition, the procedure for opening instruments prior the starting or at the same time may vary from office to office.
Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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What Is The Window Period For HIV Test?

Brief Answer: window period is 3 months Detailed Answer: HI, thanks using healthcare magic The window period for the different HIV tests vary. The window period of a test is the time from infection till when a test can accurately determine if an infection is present or not. The window period of the rapid test is up to 3 months. Some persons may show evidence of infection prior to this time but for this test, to be completely accurate, the test should be done after a 3 month interval. There are HIV tests that have shorter window periods that you can consider such as the RNA tests or the PCR. The window period of the RNA is 1 to 3 weeks and the PCR is also 3 weeks. You can consider having one of these done if possible. At this time , they would be able to give you a definitive answer. IF this is not an option then you may want to wait till the 3 month mark to do the rapid test. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions