Q. What is the exact window period of HIV?
Hello doctor,
Before 16 years, I had lots of high-risk exposures. Before seven years, I started having lots of various symptoms that I have to this day. At that time, I ceased my activities and got tested. All STDs tests were negative, but I continued to have symptoms. I can say that I have had many (over 40) HIV tests along with syphilis tests. Like I said, no risk exposure for the last seven years. Before four years, I have had HIV third, and fourth generation tests. I also have had proviral HIV 1 and 2. I have had Abbott RealTime RNA as well as western blot, and they have been negative. In the last six years, I have also had many syphilis tests, and everything has been negative.
As I was still having symptoms, I tested again, and it includes FTA, RPR and TPPA. The RPR and TPPA were negative, but FTA was positive. I freaked out and checked after some weeks, and all were negative. My doctor said that one incident was a false positive. I have not tested since. Am I HIV negative Can HIV tests miss any HIV strains or subtypes? What is the absolute window period for HIV? Can I be certain that I do not have syphilis? What is the absolute window period for syphilis? Do I need any other tests?
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
- HIV infection has a window period of one to three months during which the tests can be a false negative. According to WHO (World Health Organization), all tests for HIV are considered conclusive at 12 weeks after the last high-risk exposure.
- For syphilis, the window period is 90 days and beyond which the tests invariably turn positive if infected. In the case of a positive test for syphilis, it is advised to repeat the same at 4 and 12 weeks later.
- As both your tests are negative beyond the window period, you can be sure that you have not been infected.
- Kindly upload the latest reports to go through and find out the procedure used and confirm the same. You can rest your fears.
For further information consult a HIV AIDS specialist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/HIV-AIDS-specialist
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