HomeAnswersHIV/AIDS specialisthiv testingScreened for HIV after eight weeks of exposure. Is it reliable?

I had HIV test after eight weeks of exposure and it came negative. Is the result reliable?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At June 15, 2017
Reviewed AtSeptember 21, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I did an HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) rapid screening after eight weeks of exposure, and the results came negative. I do not have any other symptoms of HIV. Is this result reliable? Do I need to do other tests?

Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com.

The tests available for HIV diagnosis are highly sensitive and specific and gives accurate results. Majority of the people who are infected with HIV develop HIV antibodies by two to eight weeks. Approximately, up to 5 % develop seroconversion by 12 weeks. Your HIV negative result after eight weeks is reliable. You can repeat the test at the end of three months, and not before that.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Ravinder K. Sachdeva
Dr. Ravinder K. Sachdeva

HIV/AIDS specialist

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