Q and A

Question

Is the p24 test accurate after 3 weeks?

15 October 2010. Related: All topics, HIV testing.

I spoke to my nurse at the GUM clinic the other day and wanted to ask if this was true:

I had an exposure 12 weeks ago – and then 3 weeks ago I had a p24 test done and I was worried about the 3 week exposure, the nurse said that the 2nd part of the p24 would be detectable after 3- 6 weeks is this true? She also said that I didn’t need another test.

Answer

Answer: Charlotte Walker

Thank you for your question.

The nurse is correct. The p24 test can pick an infection 3-4 weeks after an exposure. If you test result was negative then you do not need another test. If you result was positive then you will need a confirmatory test.

For more information about the p24 test please follow this link.

4 comments

  1. Lisa Thorley •

    Hi Susan,

    If your tests are saying negative, then you are negative. Please see question one here:
    http://i-base.info/qa/11844

  2. Susan •

    Here’s my ? In September I had a test done HIV 1 said negative HIV 2 positive for antigens. So I took a third test it came back negative. This week I went to a new doctor got another test with the same results. They sent the third one in I won’t find out the results until next week. I have 3 kids how worried should I be?

  3. Charlotte Walker •

    Hi Jay,
    I am not a doctor but it sounds like you have a winter cold. If you have had 3 tests, all negative then you do not have HIV. You should speak to your GP about what is causing your symptoms other than HIV.

  4. jay •

    Hi Charlotte, I’m driving myself mad taking test after test, I’ve had 3 done, one at 4 and a half week one at 7 weeks and one at 13 weeks all have come back negative. It’s now 6 months since my first test, and whether its to do with the time of year or what I don’t know but I have a sore throat, hot and cold sweats and flu like symptoms. Do you think that I should get another test or its just a common cold/flu. I’ve only had it 2 days….