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Do neem leaves affect HIV test window period?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I went to a barbershop to get a haircut. I got a small cut on the back of the ear from a used blade. So, I was very worried. I tested for the HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) CMIA (Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immuno Assay) combo after 55 days. The result was 'non-reactive,' and HIV test ECLIA (Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay) combi Ag/Ab after 95 days. The result was 'non-reactive.' My question is, I have been eating Azadirachta Indica leaves continuously for two years upon waking up every morning. Does eating Azadirachta indica leaves affect the HIV window period?

Answered by Dr. Kakkar

Hello, welcome to icliniq.com.

I have noted your concern. There is no risk of HIV due to a cut from a used blade, even if it was earlier used on an HIV-positive person and had their infected blood on it. This is because HIV is fragile and cannot survive outside the body for more than a few seconds. In addition, it dries quickly upon drying. Moreover, your screening test for HIV CMIA combo result at 55 days is conclusive. This test has a short window period of two to three weeks and is considered conclusive at six weeks (45 days), as recommended by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ). Consuming neem leaves does not interfere with the test result. Regards.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

Can I rest assured that eating neem every morning does not affect the window period I need to test?

Answered by Dr. Kakkar

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Eating neem leaves does not affect the window period of the CMIA combo HIV screening test. You are safe. Do not worry. Regards.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

I feel very comfortable. I am sending some reports. Please check.

Answered by Dr. Kakkar

Thank you doctor,

I have viewed the reports (attachment removed to protect patient identity). Your ECLIA HIV screening test is non-reactive. It is very reliable and conclusive at 95 days. So this test conclusively rules out HIV infection. Your test for hepatitis says - HBsAg is not detected. However, the test result is considered reliable from three to four weeks after risky exposure because infected individuals usually have detectable HBsAg by three to four weeks. Therefore, at 95 days, your screening test for hepatitis B is conclusive. So relax. You do not need to worry about both HIV or Hepatitis B. Regards.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Only have one question. CMIA test took more than 20 minutes to give the result. So, any problems?

Answered by Dr. Kakkar

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

It is alright. It gives results pretty rapidly. Regards.

Answered byDr. Kakkar
Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team
Published At February 6, 2018
Reviewed AtDecember 11, 2025

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