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What Is The Window Period For An HIV Test?
Question: I had an unprotected sex with a partner of unknown status 3 months before, 12 weeks after the probable exposure I went for HIV spot test and it came "Non reactive". Day Yesterday, just 7 days after the test I got sore throat and infection in tongue, no taste in the front portion. Whether it can be the symptom for HIV? How accurate can be the spot test after a window period of 12 weeks? Please help, I am very anxious and tensed!!
Brief Answer:
There could be other reason of sore throat.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for your query on HCM.
HIV spot test comes positive when it detects antibodies against HIV. These antibodies actually are produced by your body immune system to fight the infection .
The window period is the period during which the fighting antibodies are detectable in body fluids that is usually 3 weeks to 12 weeks after infection. Window period varies from person to person, some have positive test within 3 weeks of infection and some take longer even three months to have detectable antibodies. Since you have negative test result even after 12 weeks (3 months ) of unprotected sex, so less likely it could be HIV infection.
Or else other tests to detect HIV infection which might help to clear the doubt are western blot test, fourth generation test and nucleic acid test for HIV .
To clear the doubt about sore throat and tongue infection, I would like to suggest
get examined by nearby general Physician in person to rule out other symptoms and signs of HIV, for example enlarged lymph nodes,skin rashes,fever,enlarged glands etc
Otherwise more likely it could be just other common infection of throat, which can be treated by taking antibiotics and tongue infection could be due to folic acid or vitamin C deficiency, which can be treated by taking these supplements. Though general physical examination is advised promptly to rule out any other cause.
Wish you best of Health.
Regards,
Dr.Maheshwari
There could be other reason of sore throat.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for your query on HCM.
HIV spot test comes positive when it detects antibodies against HIV. These antibodies actually are produced by your body immune system to fight the infection .
The window period is the period during which the fighting antibodies are detectable in body fluids that is usually 3 weeks to 12 weeks after infection. Window period varies from person to person, some have positive test within 3 weeks of infection and some take longer even three months to have detectable antibodies. Since you have negative test result even after 12 weeks (3 months ) of unprotected sex, so less likely it could be HIV infection.
Or else other tests to detect HIV infection which might help to clear the doubt are western blot test, fourth generation test and nucleic acid test for HIV .
To clear the doubt about sore throat and tongue infection, I would like to suggest
get examined by nearby general Physician in person to rule out other symptoms and signs of HIV, for example enlarged lymph nodes,skin rashes,fever,enlarged glands etc
Otherwise more likely it could be just other common infection of throat, which can be treated by taking antibiotics and tongue infection could be due to folic acid or vitamin C deficiency, which can be treated by taking these supplements. Though general physical examination is advised promptly to rule out any other cause.
Wish you best of Health.
Regards,
Dr.Maheshwari
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina
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