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How Conclusive Is The Third Generation Test Result After Four Weeks Of Unprotected Sex?

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Posted on Sat, 11 Jan 2014
Question: hi I had unprotected sex with a positive male and then tested with 3rd generation test at 4 weeks and it came back negative. I then began researching and found that test may not pick up antibodies at the 4 week mark I have now had a 3rd gen test with RNA at 9 weeks. How conclusive will the results of my last test be?
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Answered by Dr. Rhea Chanda (36 minutes later)
Brief Answer: Window period Detailed Answer: Hello, The window period of an HIV infection is anywhere between 9 days to 6 months. If you have tested within this time, then you may get a false negative also. There are several types of tests available. Of these, RNA tests are accurate after 3 weeks of infection if the virus is present. PCR tests are also accurate for 2-3 weeks after infection. I suggest you repeat the test after 3 months of exposure instead of now. There will be a higher viral load if at all. Accuracy rate will be better. However, if you want to be tested now, i'd suggest the PCR test.
Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Dr. Rhea Chanda

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Practicing since :2005

Answered : 3161 Questions

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How Conclusive Is The Third Generation Test Result After Four Weeks Of Unprotected Sex?

Brief Answer: Window period Detailed Answer: Hello, The window period of an HIV infection is anywhere between 9 days to 6 months. If you have tested within this time, then you may get a false negative also. There are several types of tests available. Of these, RNA tests are accurate after 3 weeks of infection if the virus is present. PCR tests are also accurate for 2-3 weeks after infection. I suggest you repeat the test after 3 months of exposure instead of now. There will be a higher viral load if at all. Accuracy rate will be better. However, if you want to be tested now, i'd suggest the PCR test.