Q and A

Question

Is a negative test after three months accurate?

16 January 2018. Related: All topics, HIV testing, HIV transmission.

Hi, I had sex with a girl. Five weeks (37 days) after the exposure, I got HIV test and the result was negative. 91 days after exposure I got HIV test again for confirmation, the result is negative.

My questions are:

1. Does it mean that I am really HIV negative?

2. Should I get HIV test again next December 2007 (6 months after exposure)?

Answer

Answer: Simon Collins

Yes, after this time the results are very accurate.

To question #1: Unless you had another exposure risk during the 91 days period, then yes, the test shows that you are HIV negative.

To question #2: In very rare cases it takes more than 40 days for the body to develop antibodies to HIV that can be picked up by the test. That is why it is a good idea to test again three months after the possible risk, even though the chances of a positive result then are very small.

This question was updated in January 2018 from an original answer posted in October 2007. i-Base no longer answers individual questions about testing and transmission – please see: Question 1 at this link for more information).

97 comments

  1. Simon Collins •

    Discussion on this post is now closed.

    Please use this link to ask a new question.
    https://i-base.info/qa/ask-a-question

    Please note that i-Base no longer answer questions about HIV testing or HIV transmission.

  2. Lisa Thorley •

    Hi Sandy,

    Please see Q1 here:

    https://i-base.info/qa/what-are-the-most-asked-questions

  3. Sandy •

    1-Sir I have done HIV test after 7 month of exposure that is on 27 Dec 26 is 1st test result was negative
    2-On 27 march 2017 2nd test result was negative
    3- On 27 June 2017 results was negative suggest me
    So should I test again there will be possiblity of hiv positive results please

  4. Lisa Thorley •

    Hi Michele,

    Please see Q1 here:

    https://i-base.info/qa/what-are-the-most-asked-questions

  5. michele •

    I first had sex in December 31st 2016 and then had sex with another on 22/6/2017 and finally I went for for an Hiv test on 7/7/2017 and I tested negative.
    So should I test again??

  6. Lisa Thorley •

    Hi Cibi,

    Even when someone is on medication for their HIV they will always test positive. This is because the meds control it, not cure it.

  7. Cibi •

    I’m on Atroiza treatment. I don’t have any problem with my treatment. My question is, can I test HIV negative whilst taking Atrozia?