HIV Test Result Negative After 17 Days Of Contact. Is It Accurate?

Posted on Mon, 26 Dec 2011

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 Answered on

Wed, 20 Jun 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : hi
I took an p24 hiv test 17 days after the suspicious contact. The test was negative. Should i take it again? Is it accurate?

Answered by Dr. P V S Prasad (9 hours later)

Thanks for your query.

The levels of p24 antigen increase after one to three weeks of infection. Therefore if you wish you may check once more at 21-28 days. The test is fairly accurate to detect early infection.

Hope I have answered your query. Please accept my answer in case you do not have further queries.

Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E