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What Is The Window Period For An HIV Test?
Question: Hi! I recently had and Hiv test done five months after receiving oral from a guy. I do not know that he has hiv, but am still concerned as we didn't know one another for very long. The test was done in the doctors office and I receive the result with in 15 min, and it was negative. Should I trust the results of this test? I have read the virus can some times take up to 6 months to be detected.
Brief Answer:
You can go for repeat testing after 6 months to be absolutely sure.
Detailed Answer:
Dear xxxxxxxxx
Welcome to HCM.
The risk of transmission of HIV from oral sex is very less as compared to unprotected vaginal or anal so you need to worry much as the risk is low.
You had gone for the test which was also negative than again the risk is minimized. The window period for HIV varies from 15 days to 3 months so you can consider this result as highly reliable.
I will advice you to get tested again after 6 months as routine procedure and also got your mental satisfaction. It will also clear all your doubts. Till then just be relaxed as you are at very low risk.
Thank You
You can go for repeat testing after 6 months to be absolutely sure.
Detailed Answer:
Dear xxxxxxxxx
Welcome to HCM.
The risk of transmission of HIV from oral sex is very less as compared to unprotected vaginal or anal so you need to worry much as the risk is low.
You had gone for the test which was also negative than again the risk is minimized. The window period for HIV varies from 15 days to 3 months so you can consider this result as highly reliable.
I will advice you to get tested again after 6 months as routine procedure and also got your mental satisfaction. It will also clear all your doubts. Till then just be relaxed as you are at very low risk.
Thank You
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Thank you for your reply. When you say get a follow up test at 6 months, you mean get tested again next month? Mid December will be exactly 6 months since my sexual encounter. Also, why would it take so long for the virus to show up?
I also suffer from panic attacks, so this has been a trying time for me as you can imagine. Thank you for your help.
I also suffer from panic attacks, so this has been a trying time for me as you can imagine. Thank you for your help.
Brief Answer:
No need to panic at all because you are at very negligible risk.
Detailed Answer:
Dear xxxxxxxxxxxxx,
The antibodies against HIV virus sometimes take 3 months to develop after the infection which known as window period. The test done after 3 months is considered highly reliable and accurate as you had done so just be relaxed and don't panic so much.
It is just as routine procedure to get tested after 6 months in case of probable exposure nothing else. So go for the test in mid December without getting tensed, the result will be in your favour definitely.
Thank You
No need to panic at all because you are at very negligible risk.
Detailed Answer:
Dear xxxxxxxxxxxxx,
The antibodies against HIV virus sometimes take 3 months to develop after the infection which known as window period. The test done after 3 months is considered highly reliable and accurate as you had done so just be relaxed and don't panic so much.
It is just as routine procedure to get tested after 6 months in case of probable exposure nothing else. So go for the test in mid December without getting tensed, the result will be in your favour definitely.
Thank You
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
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