Question
Will the p24 test pick up infection after 19 days?
Hi guys,
I had a risky encounter a few weeks ago. After 12 days I had a p24 test and it was negative and I am also having one tomorrow, 19 days after the possible exposure. As I have developed a flu and sore throat (probably just the change in weather) I am a little bit worried and also have a test next week 25-26 days after exposure.
I just wanted to ask, the 12 day test I am guessing was no good but the Drs wanted to do it as a baseline test. The test tomorrow – how accurate would it be as you guys have said a 3 week test is ok this is 2 days off 3 weeks but I am repeating next week.
I do not know the test results yet but will post them tomorrow.
Wish me luck (great website)!
30 July 2010 • Related: All topics, HIV testing
Answer
Thank you for your question.
The results of your 19 day test are a good indication but they are not conclusive. If you are using the p24 test then it should be able to pick up infection at 19 days.
A test at 4 weeks will detect about 95% of infections and a test at 90 days is considered conclusive (as it picks up more than 99.99% or infections.
For more information please follow this link
Good luck
Answer: Charlotte Walker
Comments
Steve • 2 August 2010 12:13 am
Thanks you so much!
I’ve done a “combined p24/antibodies” test at 23 days after a possible risk (condom broke, no idea about the HIV status of the person I was with). I was terribly worried since some people tell me that a-less-than-3-months testing was useless.
So, do you confirm that I can be at ease about my HIV status now?
I still plan a confirmation test at three months but that answer REALLY eased my mind.
Charlotte Walker • 4 August 2010 2:09 pm
The p24 test at 23 days after exposure is a good indication that you do not have HIV, but UK guidelines (BASHH) recommend that this needs to be confirmed at 90 days after the exposure.