[Question #9235] Hiv test for a conclusive result

35 months ago

Hello Doctors

My question about hiv Ag Ab test I understand that the window period for it is 45 days.

So my question is ..

1) for a conclusive and accurate result how soon after the window period i can have the test ?

2- if i did the test by day 47 , which is only tow more days from the window period(45 days) , is that enough and reliable and no need to wait longer ? And it consider as conclusive result ?

3- or to have the test with waiting more time is recommended like to wait a week after the window period the have the test

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

35 months ago

Welcome to the forum. Thanks for your question.

I don't understand what you don't understand! "Window period" means the time to 100% proof you don't have HIV. The 45 day window for the HIV AgAb test ("4th generation) means that the negative result is conclusive on that day or any time after that.

Those comments answer your questions, but to be explicit: 1) At day 45 or any time after that. 2) Negative at 47 days is conclusive. 3) There is no need to wait a week (or any other time) after 45 days.

I hope these comments are helpful. Let me know if anything isn't clear.

HHH, MD

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35 months ago

Thanks for the answer Doctor

I have one more question Doctor if you allow me please.

is there anything affect the timing of the test ? If i can be more clear sir and directly to the point , i had wet dreams before the test can that affect the test ?

Or like to masturbate before going for the test can these affect the result ?

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

35 months ago

No. With only one exception, there are no medical conditions, medications, treatments, or personal habits that have any effect at all on either reliability of the HIV blood tests or time to conclusive results. Certainly sexual release (i.e. sex itself, masturbation, wet dreams) have no effect, no matter their frequency. (The exception is when people take anti-HIV drugs before or after exposure -- i.e. pre- or post-exposure prophylaxis, PrEP and PEP) to prevent HIV. If the drugs don't work, they prolong the window period by several weeks.)---
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35 months ago

Thank you for the explanation Doctor and for you time

My last question and inquiries Dr is about repeating the test after 3 months because on the internet there are many different opinions i’m to repeat after 3 months and some by 6 months even which it looks like scary i’m not sure which one should i follow.

1- should i and is it recommended to repeat the test after 3 months for trustful result ? Or i can trust my result now and I don’t need to repeat the test later ?

2- 6 weeks negative result can’t change to positive after 3 months or 6 months ?

Thank you for your time again and your help sir

H. Hunter Handsfield, MD

35 months ago

These questions repeat the ones above, using different words. That of course does not change the answers. Advice to test later than 6 weeks (with the AgAb, i.e. 4th generation HIV blood tests) -- at 3 months, 6 months or any other time beyond 6 weeks -- is mistaken advice, often from clinics or doctors who have not kept up with the newer science and research results; or in some cases, because of a hyper-conservative approach (sometimes because of political or religious perspectives). You will find more consistent and accurate advice if you confine your online searching to professional sites like academic medical sources and public health agencies, and to professionally moderated sites like this one. Also avoid sites run by and for persons at risk or who are infected: personal testimony about how long it took for their test results is the worst kind of evidence there is and always should be ignored.

1) Repeat question: NO, you don't need more testing.

2) Repeat question: A 6 week negative never becomes positive later, except in people taking anti-HIV drugs (discussed above).

That completes the two follow-ups included with each question and so ends this thread. I hope the discussion has been helpful. Best wishes and stay safe.

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