Q and A

Question

Is the Ab/Ag test accurate after 4 months?

3 January 2008. Related: All topics, HIV testing, HIV transmission.

I tested HIV-negative four months after exposure.

The test i took was HIV ag/ab combo test. Is it conclusive, that i dont have HIV. Is the result accurate?

Answer

Answer: Simon Collins

Yes. The result is accurate. A negative antibody test after 4 months means that it is safe to assume that you are HIV-negative.

The ‘Ag’ bit of the test helps pick up infections slightly earlier after exposure – using by testing for a protein called p24 – which also disappears by the time your body has generated an antibody response.