Q and A

Question

How accurate is a HIV test 6 weeks after exposure?

10 June 2010. Related: All topics, HIV testing.

Answer

Answer: Charlotte Walker

Thank you for your question.

It depends on the type of test. Most are around 99% accurate 6 weeks after a possible exposure.

For more information please follow this link

15 comments

  1. Lisa Thorley •

    Hi Martin,

    Please see quesiton one here:

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

  2. Martin •

    I had unprotected sex with a person who is HIV positive. I tested 8 weeks after exposure. My question is, can I still test again after a month and it be positive?

  3. Lisa Thorley •

    Hi thabani,

    For HIV testing, please see here:

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

  4. thabani •

    Hi, I had exposure to HIV pos person in last three weeks. How can I trust negative results now?

  5. Roy Trevelion •

    Unfortunately we don’t have the resources to answer more questions about transmission and testing. This information service is about HIV treatment for people who are HIV positive.

    Most questions about transmission and testing have been answered here:
    http://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/hiv-transmission-and-testing

  6. VV •

    First thanks for your advice over here. I had a protected sex with someone and I didn’t know her background. Unfortunately I noticed the Condom broke but I didn’t ejaculated inside! I stopped as soon as I figured out.
    After 35 days I tested HIV 1 & 2 antibodies which came back NEGATIVE. Nearly 8 weeks (54 days) I did DUO test again which came back NEGATIVE again. The doctor told me its 100% accurate and you dont need to retest again. But I see every where they advise to retest after 12 weeks again. I know my risk was so low but Im still worried! Have you seen any sample like my case to change the test later!
    Thanks

  7. Charlotte Walker •

    No the vaccinations shouldn’t affect the results.

  8. adel •

    Should I repeat the test or it is ok? I got vaccination for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, meningitis and influenza one week before the exposure. I took the test 30 days after exposure and 37 days after vaccinations. Will the vaccinations effect the results or not?

  9. Charlotte Walker •

    The test is about 95% accurate. For more details please follow this link

  10. adel •

    How accurate is a HIV test 1 month after exposure if I used a HIV-1 & -2 antibody-antigen p24 test? The result was negative.