Once there is a possible risky exposure to the HIV virus, there is a time period when the body is still producing antibodies and they are not detectable by the tests yet. So, if you undertake HIV testing in this period, the result is negative even though the person is infected with the virus. This time period is known as window period.
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Query: Hello doctor, Please help me. I had sex with a CSW for the first time, two months back. First, we had oral and penetrative sex using a condom. Then we had oral sex without a condom. The first time, the girl helped me put the condom. But later, I put it myself, as it was the first time. I put it bac... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have read your concern. The window period for HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) can last up to 12 weeks. HIV infection cannot be diagnosed during this period because antibodies to HIV have not developed during this period. The test most commonly used in th... Read Full »
I did my HIV test after six weeks of exposure. Is it reliable?
Query: Hello doctor, I am a 20 year old male. Recently, I have had a high-risk possible HIV exposure. Specifically, a receptive anal sex with a guy whom I do not know the status. After a week, I did feel fatigue, sore throat and after 4 to 5 weeks of the exposure, I think I have swollen lymph nodes. I can... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Your tests appear to be reliable. Just relax and get this test repeated at 12 weeks post-exposure for final surety. Best wishes. For further queries consult an HIV AIDS specialist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/HIV-AIDS-specialist Read Full »
Will I get a false negative in HIV rapid test six months after exposure?
Query: Hello doctor, How reliable is HIV rapid blood test after six months of my last exposure? Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection has a window period of 1 to 3 months after the last exposure, during which the test results can be a false negative. According to WHO (World Health Organization), all results are considered conclusive at 12 weeks after the las... Read Full »
Can asthma medications and IgE levels affect HIV results?
Query: Hello doctor, I had a possible exposure to HIV, five months back. It was exactly on the 45th day I took an HIV fourth generation test, both HIV-1 and HIV-2 were nonreactive. At the 105th day, I took an ELFA HIV 1 and 2 antibody test, which was also nonreactive. I also did a viral load EDTA plasma HI... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) has a window period of 1 to 3 months, during which the test results can be a false negative. According to WHO (world health organization), all tests are considered conclusive after 12 weeks of the last exposure. As your test results ar... Read Full »
How accurate is the HIV combo test after 35 days?
Query: Hello doctor, I am a 35-year-old male. I had unprotected oral sex with a girl. Her HIV status is unknown. After oral sex, we had vaginal intercourse with a condom. After 14 days of that incident, I had a negative PCR test, and the HIV combo test is also negative. And after 35 days, I repeated the c... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Thank you for the query. The chances of transmission of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) by single unprotected intercourse with an HIV-positive person are low. It is good that you had negative HIV and PCR after 14 days and negative HIV antibodies test after 30 da... Read Full »
What is the window period for HIV infection?
Query: Hi doctor, I have high temperature with skin rashes. I have attached the HIV reports for your reference. Please help. Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. As per the attached file (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity), your HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) test was done before 18 months. Therefore, I need to know the duration of the last exposure to interpret the result further. Also, give me a complete... Read Full »
What is the window period for HIV testing?
Query: Hello doctor,Three months back, I had an exposure with a girl whose HIV (human immunodeficiency syndrome) status is unknown. During the intercourse, my condom is halfway slipped, and I stopped doing it when I masturbate. I felt pain and had a slight injury under my foreskin. What are the chances of ... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. The window period is 12 weeks after the exposure, and any test done beyond this is considered definitive. The 4th generation HIV test detects both p24 antigen and antibodies as well. Hence the test does not rely only on antibody production and is more accurate even a... Read Full »
Please mention the exact window period for HIV.
Query: 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... Read Full »
Answer: 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 peri... Read Full »
I have fever after unprotected sex. Is it a symptom of HIV?
Query: Hi doctor, I have a fever after doing protected vaginal sex and unprotected vaginal sex. Is it a symptom of HIV? Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Infection with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) causes an illness called AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). One who is caught with this disease does not develop any symptoms until some years after infection. Only some people have unspecific mild symptoms after h... Read Full »
What is the possibility of acquiring HIV through precum in the anus?
Query: Hello doctor, I had a sexual encounter the other night. I received oral sex, and there may have been an instance where his penis rubbed against my anus, but I am not entirely sure if there was precum on the end of his penis or not. He used an Oraquick test and was negative, but he said he has oral... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I can understand your concern. According to your statement, you have sexual activities with a male, and now you are concerned about transmission of HIV infection. If your partner's precum enters into your anus, there is a chance of HIV transmission. HIV is usually d... Read Full »