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What Is The Correct Window Period For HIV Antibody Test?
Question: I tested negative for HIV after 60 days, I had a rash after 45 days that I thought may be HIV related is it possible that the rash was HIV related and I still tested negative. How come some people test positive at different times after the initial infection? I am waiting to test after 90 days so I can put my fears to rest.
Have you seen people test negative after 60 days and then positive after 90 days, and do you have any theories on why a person might take longer to have a positive test result.
Thank you
Have you seen people test negative after 60 days and then positive after 90 days, and do you have any theories on why a person might take longer to have a positive test result.
Thank you
Brief Answer:
Antibody detecting test became conclusive by 12 weeks.
Detailed Answer:
HI XXXXXXX
Welcome once again to HCM.
It depends upon what type of HIV test you had.
There are two types of tests available to detect HIV. Antibody based tests (commonly used) which will become conclusive by 12 weeks after the high risk contact whereas the other type of HIV tests detect antigen (HIV particles itself), which becomes conclusive by 4 weeks onwards. If your test was an antigen detecting test at 60 days then the nonreactive test assured that you are free from HIV, and if it was an antibody detecting test it is better to repeat once again after 12 weeks to have a more conclusive result and thereby you can rule out the possibility of HIV.
We had come across incident of individuals became reactive for HIV after 60 days when they had nonreactive antibody test earlier and never with Antigen based tests.
DR S.Murugan
Antibody detecting test became conclusive by 12 weeks.
Detailed Answer:
HI XXXXXXX
Welcome once again to HCM.
It depends upon what type of HIV test you had.
There are two types of tests available to detect HIV. Antibody based tests (commonly used) which will become conclusive by 12 weeks after the high risk contact whereas the other type of HIV tests detect antigen (HIV particles itself), which becomes conclusive by 4 weeks onwards. If your test was an antigen detecting test at 60 days then the nonreactive test assured that you are free from HIV, and if it was an antibody detecting test it is better to repeat once again after 12 weeks to have a more conclusive result and thereby you can rule out the possibility of HIV.
We had come across incident of individuals became reactive for HIV after 60 days when they had nonreactive antibody test earlier and never with Antigen based tests.
DR S.Murugan
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I assume i had the antibody test is there anything specific to an individual that may lead to the HIV only becoming reactive after a 60 day period? I have less than two weeks remaining before I go for another test, I am just trying to make sense of the conflicting information that you find on the internet.
Thank you,
Thank you,
Brief Answer:
Upload the copy of the result
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
If possible upload the copy of the result in this site to verify whether it iwas antibody test or antigen detecting test.
Not to bother about conflicting information available in websites. Ours is based on experience in this field more than 30 years.
Dr S.Murugan
Upload the copy of the result
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
If possible upload the copy of the result in this site to verify whether it iwas antibody test or antigen detecting test.
Not to bother about conflicting information available in websites. Ours is based on experience in this field more than 30 years.
Dr S.Murugan
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hi there,
They just give a verbal result, but my question was why would it take longer to show up in some individuals. i will find out what kind of test it is when i take it in a couple of weeks.
Thanks,
Dean
They just give a verbal result, but my question was why would it take longer to show up in some individuals. i will find out what kind of test it is when i take it in a couple of weeks.
Thanks,
Dean
Brief Answer:
Immunosuppressive drugs can interefere with antibody formation.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
When the individual is on Immunosuppressive drugs like steroids, cytotoxic drugs,Cyclosporin etc., they will interfere with antibody formation, so the test will become reactive after more than three months if infection is present. If the individual had taken PEP (ART), and if there was a failure, then also it would be delayed to form antibodies.
Dr S.Murugan
Immunosuppressive drugs can interefere with antibody formation.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
When the individual is on Immunosuppressive drugs like steroids, cytotoxic drugs,Cyclosporin etc., they will interfere with antibody formation, so the test will become reactive after more than three months if infection is present. If the individual had taken PEP (ART), and if there was a failure, then also it would be delayed to form antibodies.
Dr S.Murugan
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hi there, thank you for the response, I have no known health issues which would affect my immune system and I am in good health. I will test again at 90 days to be sure.
The only thing that I think could delay a positive result would be if the virus takes longer to enter the body via periodontists disease or stress associated with my concerns over being infected. I did not mean to question your expertise when I referred to the conflicting internet information, please accept my apologies.
From what you have told me I gather that the only thing that would delay a positive result of an antibody test would be a another health issue and therefore if you are in good health a test should reliable after 60 days. Is this a fair assumption, I will test again in a week and I will know for sure.
Thanks again
The only thing that I think could delay a positive result would be if the virus takes longer to enter the body via periodontists disease or stress associated with my concerns over being infected. I did not mean to question your expertise when I referred to the conflicting internet information, please accept my apologies.
From what you have told me I gather that the only thing that would delay a positive result of an antibody test would be a another health issue and therefore if you are in good health a test should reliable after 60 days. Is this a fair assumption, I will test again in a week and I will know for sure.
Thanks again
Brief Answer:
Your negative test is very much reliable
Detailed Answer:
HI,
Welcome back.
There is no question of delay in entry of the virus and late reaction of the test. Virus enter into the body at the moment of exchange of body fluids during sex and gets established infection inside the body within 72 hours. Appearance antibody against the infection, if any, would vary with person to person. As you are not on any other drugs your negative test by 60 days(8 weeks) is very much reliable. It will become more conclusive by 12 weeks.
Dr S.Murugan
Your negative test is very much reliable
Detailed Answer:
HI,
Welcome back.
There is no question of delay in entry of the virus and late reaction of the test. Virus enter into the body at the moment of exchange of body fluids during sex and gets established infection inside the body within 72 hours. Appearance antibody against the infection, if any, would vary with person to person. As you are not on any other drugs your negative test by 60 days(8 weeks) is very much reliable. It will become more conclusive by 12 weeks.
Dr S.Murugan
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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