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What Is The Correct Window Period For HIV Antibody Test?
Question: What is the correct window period for hiv antibody test of high risk exposure (condom slipped off during vaginally sex with csw)?
Brief Answer:
6 months window period. Majority cases immune response seen in 3 mths.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query at HCM.
I understand your concern and situation.
According to international guidelines if you have had a high risk exposure for HIV in that case you need to take a PCR test after 6-7 weeks to determine HIV virus presence. Then after 12 weeks you need to take a 4 th generation ELISA test to detect p 24 antigen and antibodies. Then at 6 months again an ELISA test for antibodies if any. In majority of cases immunological tests are conclusive after 12 weeks. Further tests at 6 months are only to detect for late immunological response if any. So you can say window period is up to 6 months. Hope I answered your query.
Take care.
Best of health.
If no clarification then you can close the discussion and rate the answer. A review will be appreciated.
Dr. Sheetal Verma
6 months window period. Majority cases immune response seen in 3 mths.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query at HCM.
I understand your concern and situation.
According to international guidelines if you have had a high risk exposure for HIV in that case you need to take a PCR test after 6-7 weeks to determine HIV virus presence. Then after 12 weeks you need to take a 4 th generation ELISA test to detect p 24 antigen and antibodies. Then at 6 months again an ELISA test for antibodies if any. In majority of cases immunological tests are conclusive after 12 weeks. Further tests at 6 months are only to detect for late immunological response if any. So you can say window period is up to 6 months. Hope I answered your query.
Take care.
Best of health.
If no clarification then you can close the discussion and rate the answer. A review will be appreciated.
Dr. Sheetal Verma
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
In my case I did 3rd generation antibody test at 14 weeks and then at 7 months. Both were negative. Do you think further test require to rule out possibilities?
Brief Answer:
No further tests needed.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Well come back.
You need not worry as you have crossed window period and your tests are negative. You are not having the disease and I suggest that no further tests are required. Stay happy. Be careful during intercourse in future. Practice barrier methods during intercourse.
Take care.
:):)
No further tests needed.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Well come back.
You need not worry as you have crossed window period and your tests are negative. You are not having the disease and I suggest that no further tests are required. Stay happy. Be careful during intercourse in future. Practice barrier methods during intercourse.
Take care.
:):)
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
I have two more questions
1. There are stories in Internet where people sero converted beyond 7 months. Can it happen?
2. Can ARS symptoms appear within 4 days of infection?
3. How reliable are XXXXXXX private path labs are? Are there cases where they generated fake hiv test reports?
1. There are stories in Internet where people sero converted beyond 7 months. Can it happen?
2. Can ARS symptoms appear within 4 days of infection?
3. How reliable are XXXXXXX private path labs are? Are there cases where they generated fake hiv test reports?
Brief Answer:
Dont worry trust your results.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
1. I would like to tell you yes there have been rare instances in which tests were delayed beyond 6 months but such people were immunocompromized like liver, kidney, bone marrow transplant, etc. In your case you seem to be healthy adult so don't worry. Trust your results and remove fears if any.
2. Why you asking ARS. If in context with HIV then I need to tell you this is usually seen after 3 weeks following intercourse that a person develops such respiratory symptoms followed by lymphadenopathy.
3.As far as reliability of labs is concerned. Being a doctor Ive seen that both government and non government labs are cautious with especially HIV reports and use the NACO recommended guidelines. So relax. I don't think the report of HIV is tampered. If any doubts then you can visit a ICTC center in your area for tests. I
Best of health.
Dont worry trust your results.
Detailed Answer:
Hi
1. I would like to tell you yes there have been rare instances in which tests were delayed beyond 6 months but such people were immunocompromized like liver, kidney, bone marrow transplant, etc. In your case you seem to be healthy adult so don't worry. Trust your results and remove fears if any.
2. Why you asking ARS. If in context with HIV then I need to tell you this is usually seen after 3 weeks following intercourse that a person develops such respiratory symptoms followed by lymphadenopathy.
3.As far as reliability of labs is concerned. Being a doctor Ive seen that both government and non government labs are cautious with especially HIV reports and use the NACO recommended guidelines. So relax. I don't think the report of HIV is tampered. If any doubts then you can visit a ICTC center in your area for tests. I
Best of health.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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