Q and A

Question

Is a test at 12 weeks accurate?

7 May 2010. Related: All topics, HIV testing, HIV transmission.

I recently had an HIV test which came back negative. This was done at exactly 12 weeks from the possible exposure. Can I take this as a conclusive result (as it was exactly 12 weeks) or should I leave it a bit longer and go for another test as 3 months is slightly longer than 12 weeks?

Thanks

Answer

Answer: Charlotte Walker

Thank you for your question.

Modern tests are usually accurate 3-4 weeks after exposure to HIV. If your test has come back negative after 12 weeks then you do not have HIV. There is no need to go for a second HIV test unless you expose yourself to possible infection again.

For more information on HIV transmission and testing please follow this link to the i-Base factsheet

2 comments

  1. Lisa Thorley •

    Hi John,

    Because it was one exposure the risks are small. However, it does happen. To know for sure you will need to do the 12 week test.

  2. John •

    I had unprotected sex with a girl who happened to be hiv positive (I only got to know her status 1 week after the sex) .
    I did a rapid test for hiv at 46 days after exposure and it came back as negative
    I need to re-take the test at 12 weeks as advised. please what are my chances of getting a negative result at 12 weeks