What is a window period, and is there any reliable HIV test?

Question

Hello doctor,

This is my first exposure, as I used a condom, my organ did not erect, so I removed the condom. Then I used saliva for the handjob and used another dotted condom, but my organ did not erect, though I participated in sex with a condom for two to six minutes. Later, I wore my dress, after 45 minutes, I removed the condom, and the whole front area of my penis was covered. I am not sure if vaginal fluid came in contact with my penis, but I could find the fluid on my thighs. I visited a doctor, and he tested with a tri-dot, and it was negative. I had an itchy throat and typhoid fever. So I visited another doctor, and he suggested I get a PCR DNA test, which gave me negative results. Then I went to a private lab, the rapid test was negative, but I have small mouth ulcers. What is the window period? Is it enough for the conclusion, or should I go for any other tests? Kindly suggest.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com

I have read your query and understand your concern. The window period is the time taken for antibodies to develop and then be detected by a particular test. The majority of the people who get infected with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) develop HIV antibodies in two to eight weeks. By the third month, 99.9% of people who are infected show a positive HIV antibody response. The tests that you underwent are highly sensitive and specific and give accurate results, but there are recommendations, and I also suggest that my patients repeat the test at six months. The symptom you are having is non-specific. In fact, there are no specific symptoms or signs that can lead to an HIV diagnosis.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.