Q and A

Question

I am confused about the window period – can you clarify?

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

Hello,

I am a bit confused regarding the window period of the DUO HIV tests. Are they conclusive on 28 days and beyond or after 3 months. You inform that the window is 3-4 weeks on the header but then at the last paragraph you inform that the window is 3 months since 5% of people have an immune response later. I am totally confused!!

Can you please clarify?

Thank you

Answer

Answer: Charlotte Walker

Thank you for your question.

I am sorry for the confusion. The problem is that everyone is different and our systems all work in slightly different ways. For the majority of the population, over 95% of people, the window period is 4 weeks. However, 5% of people need the full window period of 3 months.

For a more specific answer which includes the statment from the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) please follow this link.

To view this graphically please follow this link to a diagram you might find helpful

21 comments

  1. Rebecca McDowall •

    Hi Jabu,
    HIV tests have a window period of 1-3 months, depending on the type of test used.So your girlfriend does need to go for a second test after 3 months to be sure she is still negative. You can read more about window periods in our testing guide.

  2. jabu •

    I am 35 years old and was diagnosed with hiv 2 years ago. 4 weeks ago the condom broke during sex with my girl. She was tested negative a week after does that mean she is clean? They said she must come for more test after three months but she says she did not get infected because of the first test.pls help

  3. Rebecca McDowall •

    I’m sorry that i-base no longer answer individual questions about the risks of HIV transmission or HIV testing.

    This is because information on both these subjects are now online in two resources:

    Your questions are already answered on the FAQ page:
    http://i-base.info/qa/faq/hiv-transmission-and-testing

    Also this detailed and easy to read guide:
    http://i-base.info/guides/testing
    I’m sorry that i-base no longer answer individual questions about the risks of HIV transmission or HIV testing. This is because information on both these subjects are now online in two resources: Your questions are already answered on the FAQ page: http://i-base.info/qa/faq/hiv-transmission-and-testing Also this detailed and easy to read guide: http://i-base.info/guides/testing

  4. Mark •

    I tested negative after 4.5 months. Can I go for another test after 6 months?

  5. Charlotte Walker •

    If you both have tested negative for HIV then you do not have HIV. Many things cause lymph nodes to swell. You need to ask your GP what is causing this as it isn’t HIV.

  6. abby •

    hi I had unprotected sex once i got tested 51 days after with western blot and elsa it tested negative and then i got tested 88 days after the sex with an oral quick and it tested negative.i am still worried because my lymph nodes are swollen and i have a Rash do I have HIV.The guy also tested negative after a month and a half of sex with me

  7. Charlotte Walker •

    On this website it says most tests are accurate after 3 months but it does depend on the type of test you have. If you and your wife are both negative after 3 months and have not put yourselves at risk again during that time then you can have unprotected sex without needing to worry.

  8. Abhay •

    But here information also have to get it check for after six months, why? And if my test is negative after three and half month can I have unprotected sex with my wife?

  9. Charlotte Walker •

    You do not need another test. You do not have HIV.

  10. SS •

    thank you for your response
    I had an HIV test in 6.5 and 7.5 weeks 4th gen based on the above do I have to retest to be 100% sure?
    Thanks