What is the "window" period in HIV testing?

When hiv test results are negative, patients should still be re-tested after 1-3 months to avoid the test result being false negative, window-stage HIV test for negative results despite the fact that hiv infection is infected.

1. What is the "window" period in HIV testing?

1.1 HIV tests

  • Antigen test (part of virus)
  • Test for antibodies to HIV virus. This antibody is created by the human body with HIV to fight the HIV virus.
  • Or both antigens and antibodies can be tested.

However, it can take about 2 weeks to detect antigen in the body by testing and more than 3 weeks for the body to produce enough antibodies. In a small number of people, this process can sometimes take up to several months.

What is HIV

It takes about 2 weeks to detect antigen in the body by testing and more than 3 weeks for the body to produce a sufficient amount of antibodies

1.2 Window period concept in HIV testing

Because the body takes time to produce antibodies and a new time detects the antigen of the HIV virus. There should be the conceptof " Window Period".

The window period in HIV testing is the period between when the virus actually enters the body until HIV is detected by tests. This time, the test will be negative while the test takeer is actually HIV positive. However, HIV tests are now shrinking this time and reducing the chances of false negatives, i.e. actually being HIV positive but negative.

2. What is a negative HIV test?

What is HIV

Hiv-negative testing

Negative HIV testing has two cases where true negative and false negative.

2.1 True HIV-negative testing

When the return result is negative, this means that the tester is not infected.

2.2 False negative tests

In rare cases the negative result is not true (false negative), that is, the patient has HIV but the test results show that there is no HIV virus infection.

Window-stage HIV testing will result in false negatives. The tester's body has been infected with the HIV virus but the body has not yet produced antibodies against the HIV virus, so when the test is negative.

Cases of exposure to risk factors but when re-tested negative should repeat an HIV test for the next 1-3 months is necessary to ensure whether or not HIV is infected. Because it is very likely that the time of the test is in the window.

3. Is window HIV contagious?

In the window period despite testing negative, the virus has actually entered the body and is proliferation. So even in the window period, an infected person can still transmit HIV to others.

Because it is possible to infect others even if the test result is negative, it is very important to actively prevent and use protective measures for others during this time.

If you experience or do not have the above symptoms, you should still screen for social diseases for early detection for effective treatment and avoid complications. Share99 International Health Hub currently has a screening package for social diseases, whichhelps to most accurately detect social diseases, including syphilis. The examination package is carried out with the participation of a team of highly specialized, experienced doctors, optimal facilities and a commitment to ensure the privacy of customers when visiting.

For direct advice, please click hotline number or register online HERE. In addition, you can register for remote consultation HERE

SEE MORE:

  • How long does HIV manifest it after?
  • How long does the window phase of HIV last?
  • Window-stage HIV: How to treat?

About: John Smith

b1ffdb54307529964874ff53a5c5de33?s=90&r=gI am the author of Share99.net. I had been working in Vinmec International General Hospital for over 10 years. I dedicate my passion on every post in this site.

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