How Soon After Exposure Should HIV Test Be Done?

Posted on Thu, 18 Sep 2014

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

Thu, 18 Sep 2014 Answered on

Fri, 17 Oct 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I'm a bi male and I had unprotected anal sex on August 19 2014 and got tested September 14 2014 and results came back negative and got it done at a hospital

Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (35 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Get back with details of test

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcaremagic
Greetings of the day
Dear

Accuracy of test depends whether it is test to detect antibody or antigen.
In an individual who gets infected , there is a duration of 8 to 12 weeks before antibodies are formed. So a test done 1 month after exposure is unlikely to be positive.

Do get back to me which was the exact test carried out for me to be able to assist you.

Take care

Best regards
Dr Deepak Kishore

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (43 hours later)

How soon do u get symptoms of hiv

Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Usually 3-4 weeks after infection

Detailed Answer:
Hi

There are non specific symptoms seen after HIV infection: Symptoms of Seroconversion(during the process of development of antibodies). They are usually seen 3 to 4 weeks after getting infected. The symptoms include
1.
Fever
2. Lymph node enlargement
3. Myalgia
4. Arthralgia

These symptoms are only seen in 40 -60% of individuals. In other individuals it is usually asymptomatic .

Take Care

Best Regards
Dr Deepak

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar