HIV test question
 

Does anyone know what the chances are that a persons body will not produce
antibodies to the HIV virus 3 and a half months after exposure? My girlfriend and I may have been exposed to HIV and we were tested for it 3 and a half months after the possible exposure, and both of us received negative results, but I'm still worried. I have heard the window period can be up to a year long, but then I have also read if no antibodies are detected after 3 months then no more testing is needed.

If you were asking questions about weird freckles or how to sex up your body, this might be the place to ask. But when discussing the possibility of HIV, nobody here is a substitute for a trained professional. Go talk to a real doctor about this.

I'm sorry but as true it is, that is rather an arrogant post, especially in a response to a question that's asking about other TFPers' experience with HIV

We all might not be doctors but we do have run in with them

It probably depends on your body. They know a lot about HIV but there is much more they don't know. Why not just get tested again and see a different specialist? The testing is pretty quick and simple these days.

Stop wondering and get the PCR test. It doesn't wait for antibody reactions to show up, and the window between exposure and test result is days, not weeks. Twice through the PCR test (since it can still false-negative) should put your mind well and truly at ease.

I believe it takes at least six months after possible exposure before HIV can scan on a doctors test. Go see a doctor anyway, and also don't have unprotected sex.

and don't freak out too much, it won't help anyway.

Best of luck!

i've had myself tested at my schools clinic twice. from the literature and counseling session they give with the test, basically, something like 99% of peopel will show anti-bodies within 3 months. after 1 month they may start showing up, and they should be there by 3 if you have it, but in a small percentage of the population, it could up to 6 months. if you're clean at 6 months, you really don't have anything to worry about.

Thanks for the replies. The thing is, all I can do is get tested again, but in order to be sure about the results I have to wait like another 2 months to take the test, and that's two horrible months. I just want to know how much hope my first test gives me. 99% sounds great. Thanks again.

What kind of HIV test was it? There's different kinds, and like Ratbastid (you smart devil you) said, the PCR test is by far the most informative. And yeah, all you can do is get tested again, but if it's a test that will tell you definitely yes or no, then you should definitely do it.

My Dr's told me that the HIV test should be done after 6 months to be sure. Don't panic. There's no point in getting another one right away. If you have one at 3 mo and then again at 6 mo you have VERY good chances of catching any possible Virus on the test.

"How long after a possible exposure should I wait to get tested for HIV?

The tests commonly used to detect HIV infection actually look for antibodies produced by your body to fight HIV. Most people will develop detectable antibodies within 3 months after infection, the average being 25 days. In rare cases, it can take up to 6 months.

The CDC National AIDS Hotline can provide more information and referrals to testing sites in your area. The Hotline numbers are 1-800-342-2437 (English), 1-800-344-7432 (Spanish), or 1-800-243-7889 (TTY). " WebMD

Well, I almost have my doctorate in pharmacy, and I'm just doing my years worth of service as a pharmacist before they fully award me my degree (much as doctors do residencys, only on a much smaller scale). Does that qualify me?



Harry there more or less has it. Generally people get tested at 3 and 6 months. 3 months is usually the correct answer, but due to the small percentage of people who devlop antibodies slower, and the slight possibility of a false negative on the tests it's good to get it again at 6. Take all appropriate precautions until you are positive you are not infected.